The last few years have been characterised by an, almost structural, international economic and financial crisis. The previous trend of internal growth having increasingly given way to external ones through mergers and acquisitions (mergers and acquisitions) as a source of improvement of one's own competitiveness and overcoming a state of crisis.
All that is required is specific investigative processes (due diligence) to analyse the value and the conditions of the different companies involved in these operations and, at the same time, the necessary advisory contribution by individuals with special skills (advisors), fundamental for the success of the individual initiatives and to support all other business decisions.
In light of these premises, the aim of this course will be to provide knowledge and skills regarding the main implications of strategic, operating, legal and fiscal matters related to these operations, the management problems of the related integration processes that is equally determined, as well as specific consultancy activities where requests are necessary.
At the end of the course the student should be able to:

A) Learning results:
1. understand the purpose and role of the advisor;
2. understand the different approaches to consultancy in relation to sales and acquisitions;
3. explain the aims and roles of specific operational tools and how they contribute to the achievement of results.
B) Skills and abilities:
1. identify which problems are relevant to investigative processes (due diligence) to analyse the value and the conditions of the different companies involved;
2 Identify relevant aspects of company valuation;
C) Values and attitudes:
1. critically evaluate and reflect on the various existing instruments.