The course will focus on analyzing M&A and PE deals primarily from the perspective of finance and strategy, integrating issues from economics, accounting, law, and organizational behaviour where appropriate. Successful deal-makers and advisors not only evaluate individual transactions, but also analyze capital market conditions and industry developments. Accordingly, we will examine past and current trends in financial markets and in specific industries, the motivation and comparative advantage of different players in these settings, and factors that can influence them. The course will bring in the perspectives of various key players, such as shareholders and other stock market participants, regulators, management, creditors, and other stakeholders.