The 7 Best Post Merger Integration Courses and Training (2023)

Key Topics for Integration Courses

A post-merger integration courses should tackle the key topics crucial for success.

1. Identifying and Managing Integration Risks: One of the first things that should be covered in a post-merger integration course is how to identify and manage the various risks that can arise during the integration process. This includes risks related to cultural differences, systems, and processes, and employees. Understanding how to mitigate these risks is essential to ensure a smooth integration process.

2. Developing and Implementing a Comprehensive Integration Plan: A comprehensive integration plan is essential to ensure that a merger or acquisition is successful. A post-merger integration course should cover the key elements of an integration plan and how to develop one tailored to the organization's specific needs.

3. Managing and Aligning Cultural Differences: Cultural differences between two companies can be a major obstacle to successful integration. A post-merger integration course should cover how to identify and manage these differences, as well as how to align the cultures of the two companies.

4. Managing the Integration of Systems, Processes, and Employees: Another key topic that should be covered in a post-merger integration course is how to effectively integrate the systems, processes, and employees of two companies. This includes understanding how to manage the transition of employees and how to ensure that the systems and processes of the two companies are aligned.

5. Measuring and Reporting on the Progress of the Integration: The final stage of the integration process is measuring and reporting on the integration’s progress. A post-merger integration course should cover how to track the progress of the integration and how to measure the success of the merger or acquisition.

1. M&A Science Integration Courses

• Format: Online
• Cost: $175/month (rolling); $150/month (paid annually)
• Course Details: Here.

M&A Science is an online academy dedicated to mastering the art and science of mergers and acquisitions. The academy's approach is rooted in the belief that M&A is a science that can be studied, understood, and mastered through a systematic and methodical approach.

The Academy offers a range of courses that delve deeper into the complex aspects of integration, such as the importance of being Agile in integration, accessing opportunities to leverage acquired talent, and change management. The information is delivered through engaging and informative videos, all presented by experienced M&A professionals.

Students have the flexibility to access the videos at their own pace and convenience, allowing them to learn at their own speed and on their own schedule. Upon completing the course, students are awarded a certificate of completion, recognizing their achievement and dedication to mastering M&A.

M&A Science is an excellent resource for professionals looking to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions, and to develop the skills necessary to navigate the complex world of M&A with confidence and success. 

2. MAA Certified Post-Merger Integration Specialist (CPMI)

• Format: On-site and/or online
• Cost: $2,990 (online); $4,990 (on-site)
• Course Details: Here.

The Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions, and Alliances (IMAA) is a specialized institution that offers a comprehensive range of M&A courses. It is a highly respected institution, recommended by the ACCA, guaranteeing attendees that they will receive a rigorous academic experience.

Their post-merger integration course is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the integration process, consisting of 30 hours of teaching, split into four easy-to-digest modules. To be eligible to attend, attendees must hold at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, in line with ACCA policy.

Upon successfully completing the course, attendees will receive the CPMI charter and designation, recognizing their expertise in the field of post-merger integration. The course itself is structured in a chronological fashion, beginning with pre-planning, moving on to addressing synergies, and change management, before finishing with the integration of different business functions such as marketing and sales, finance, and human resources.

The thorough nature of the course and the use of real-life case studies make it a popular choice among senior management and financial professionals from across the globe. The IMAA's post-merger integration course is an excellent opportunity for professionals to gain a deep understanding of the integration process and develop the skills necessary to navigate the complex world of M&A with confidence and success.‍

3. The Merger Training Institute Post-Merger Integration Training Course

• Format: Online or in-person.
• Cost: $1,200 (webinar); $2,250 (London, Singapore, or Dubai, in-person).
• Course Details: Here.

The Merger Training Institute's Post Merger Integration training course is a comprehensive two-day program that is designed to teach a proven best-practice approach to post-merger integration. The course is led by a team of experienced M&A professionals, usually drawn from the big four accounting firms, who have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.

The training emphasizes "speed and control" in the process that it teaches students, while also stressing the importance of minimizing operational risks. Participants will learn about a range of subjects that are critical to the success of a merger or acquisition, including how to deliver transaction synergies in full, how to avoid post-merger clashes of culture between management, deciding on the most suitable level of integration, how to design an integration program from start to finish, understanding why the first 100 days are crucial, and perhaps most importantly, minimizing the chances of a post-merger dip in performance.

This course is an excellent opportunity for professionals to gain a deeper understanding of the integration process, and to develop the skills necessary to navigate the complex world of M&A with confidence and success. The Merger Training Institute's post-merger integration training course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills they need to drive a successful integration, minimizing the risks and maximizing the benefits of a merger or acquisition.

4. Global Post-Merger Integration Partners: Global Integration Training

• Format: Online
• Cost: $300
• Course Details: Here.

Global Post-Merger Integration Partners is a leading educational company that specializes in providing best-practice training in the field of mergers and acquisitions. The company's courses are designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the key concepts of M&A and are aimed at individuals looking for a primer rather than an in-depth exploration of the subject.

Courses are offered on an ad-hoc basis, so interested individuals should check the website regularly for updates on the availability of the integration course and other courses on the curriculum. The company's integration courses provide a good primer, spread across three lessons of two hours each.

The course covers five key topics, including the breadth of considerations, resources, communications, governance, and process involved for transition success, the prerequisite knowledge for stakeholders and participants, technology impact and analysis, and finally, developing a framework for rapid analysis, quantification, and prioritization to facilitate decision making.

Global Post-Merger Integration Partners is an excellent resource for professionals seeking a solid understanding of the key concepts of post-merger integration. The courses are designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the subject and are taught by experienced professionals with a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.

5. Pritchett LP: Merger Integration Workshops

• Format: In-person.
• Cost: $7,495
• Course Details: Here.

The Pritchett LP Merger Integration Workshops are a unique and intensive learning experience for professionals involved in mergers and acquisitions. Unlike traditional courses, these workshops require attendance at their offices, providing attendees with an immersive and hands-on learning experience.

Pritchett LP is known for providing a wide range of M&A subjects, and their integration course is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry, although it comes at a premium cost of nearly $8,000. The company has an impressive track record, boasting over 30,000 course attendees.

The course is designed to achieve fifteen objectives, including a step-by-step, scalable integration planning methodology, differentiating the "must haves" from the "nice to haves", developing a viable cultural integration plan, and implementing best practices for talent retention. In addition, all attendees will receive copies of all of the best-selling books written by Pritchett consultants, a total of nine titles with a vast number of combined sales.

The Pritchett LP Merger Integration Workshops are a valuable investment for professionals looking to gain a deep understanding of the integration process. The immersive and hands-on learning experience, combined with the expertise of the Pritchett LP team, makes this course an excellent choice for professionals looking to capture intended value during post-merger integration.

6. M&A Integration Masterclass by Fifth Chrome

• Format: In-person.
• Cost: $97 to $397
• Course Details: Here.

The M&A Integration Masterclass by Fifth Chrome is a 6-part self-paced, online program designed to provide participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to successfully manage M&A integrations. The program is aimed at senior executives, managers, and advisors who are involved in M&A deals and want to improve their integration capabilities.

The 6-part integration Masterclass covers strategic alignment, depth of management objectives, target operating model, transformation including change management, culture and communication, Integration management office, and functional workstream calibration.

Each module includes video lessons, case studies, and interactive exercises, and select access to M&A expert. Participants will also have the opportunity to work on a real-world M&A integration case study, applying the knowledge and tools they've learned throughout the program. By the end of the Masterclass, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of the M&A integration process and the skills necessary to lead successful integrations.T

he program is delivered entirely online, allowing participants to complete the coursework at their own pace and on their own schedule. In addition, Fifth Chrome offers a money-back guarantee for participants who are not satisfied with the program.

7. M&A Leadership Council: The Art of M&A for Integration Leaders

• Format: Online or in-person.
• Cost: $1,750 (online); $4,440 (on-site).
• Course Details: Here.

Throughout this highly interactive course, real-world issues that derail integrations are tackled, and together you arrive at solutions to overcome the obstacles, challenges, and risks that destroy deal value.

Each session of the program provides hands-on exercises and team assignments guided by M&A practitioners with years of experience serving in pre- and post-merger leadership roles.

Who should attend includes: Corporate Development leaders, IMO / Enterprise Integration leaders, and functional leaders dedicated to M&A

There will be brief, topical front-of-room instructions, methods and best practices, case studies, break out exercises, spotlights, lightning rounds, structured networking, panel discussions, and more.

Summary

With these seven courses and training programs, you'll be well on your way to mastering the post-merger integration process and achieving long-term value for your transactions. Courses by M&A Science are enhanced and led by real-world M&A practitioners with cross-functional backgrounds, enabling us to put together valuable insights, for any point of your merger & acquisition journey.  If you want to master the art of deal-making, visit our website here.