Legal Mergers & Acquisitions Expert
LM&A
Promising deals can go awry because of poor understanding of legal aspects or simply, a lack of preparation and negligence. The Legal Mergers and Acquisitions Expert certification training program covers all relevant topics within the M&A process from a legal standpoint: pre-deal, during due diligence and negotiations, as well as post acquisition. Join a global network of legal experts and M&A professionals interested in legal issues and become a LM&A Charterholder!
INTERACTIVE
ONLINE LIVE
30
approx hours
US $4390
US $
3,790
Early Bird
-
BOOK NOW
ONSITE
30
approx hours
US $5490
US $
4,890
Early Bird
- Internationally recognized designations
- Copies of certifications, presentations & materials
- 1-year IMAA charter-holding membership
- 1-year access to the entire IMAA eLibrary
- Global network of charterholders and experts
- Leading faculty from academia, leading law firms and inhouse legal teams
PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIALS
Michael Reed
- Senior Consultant
- Smith Reed Partners
Aline Soghomonian
- Legal professional
- TAQA Group
Dwayne Thomas
- Attorney At Law
When I was searching for training in M&A, the Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliance (IMAA) was first on the list of training providers. The Legal Mergers and Acquisition course was an easy choice as it brings a deep and solid foundation of all the legal and regulatory aspects of the M&A deal. The virtual live format was structured to help busy professionals gain quality education from experts in the field. The sessions were very engaging and impactful. Hearing and learning from the personal experiences of the lecturers solidified that I made the right choice in choosing IMAA. The LM&A certificate gave me insight into identifying and managing the complexities of the M&A process.
Rachel Zhang
- Founder & CEO
- Kalalau Capital
I am truly delighted to share my testimonial after completing the “Legal Mergers & Acquisitions” Certification with the Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions & Alliances (IMAA) and becoming a LM&A Expert Charterholder.
One might wonder why someone with 13 years of experience in investment banking and M&A, like myself, would decide to embark on this certification. The answer is quite simple – continuous improvement. In an ever-evolving industry, staying at the forefront of knowledge is essential. The legal aspects of M&A transactions are an integral part of the process, and my desire to gain a deeper understanding of this critical component led me to IMAA’s LM&A certification program. It has added a new layer of expertise to my skill set, making me a more comprehensive and effective M&A advisor.
The online learning format offered by IMAA was nothing short of exceptional. As a seasoned industry veteran running my own M&A advisory business, Kalalau Capital, my work schedule is demanding and unpredictable. The flexibility of the online format allowed me to learn at my own pace and seamlessly integrate my studies into my professional life. It provided me with the freedom to access course materials and engage in discussions when it suited me best. This adaptability was invaluable, and I found the quality of the course content to be top-notch. The practical knowledge gained from the program has equipped me with the legal acumen necessary to navigate the intricacies of M&A transactions more effectively.
Without a doubt, I would recommend the IMAA’s LM&A certification program to my peers and advisors in the M&A industry. For anyone looking to provide comprehensive services in and around M&A execution, this program is an indispensable resource. The well-structured curriculum, coupled with the convenience of online learning, makes it accessible to professionals with diverse schedules and commitments. It’s a valuable investment in one’s career, and I believe it will continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of M&A experts.
What to Expect From M&A Law Certification
The LM&A certificate provides participants with a solid foundation in M&A and prepares them for the various challenges during the deal and equip them with the best practices and a thorough understanding of relevant legal aspects.
M&A Process and Due Diligence
In order to add more value to deals by providing adequate legal advice, understand the M&A process, goals and roles of the various people and perspectives involved. In addition to conducting a Legal Due Diligence, get a better view on other due diligence areas as well.
Structuring the Deal
Different types of mergers lead to different types of challenges in the legal arena. Learn to manage multiple legal challenges that arise in different geographies and jurisdictions.
Identify Red Flags
Receive an exclusive look on Best Practices when evaluating agreements and identify red flags which may arise during deal evaluation.
Understand legal M&A contracts and tax considerations
Learn from our experts how to successfully navigate through employment contracts, anti-trust and competition law and intellectual property law.
DESIGNATION
The LM&A is the most international designation offered in the field of M&A. This charter signals to peers, clients, and other professionals that you have completed the most comprehensive M&A education program available and are proficient in all areas of the mergers and acquisitions process.
After successfully completing the program, you will receive the LM&A Charter as a soft copy as well as a digital seal for use on your social media profile and/or other websites.
Included In The M&A Law Course
The LM&A program is structured in four modules based on our LM&A Framework and Body of Knowledge for Mergers & Acquisitions. It consists of four modules:
Essentials of M&A
This module covers the fundamentals of Mergers & Acquisitions:
- Deal types: What are the different types of transactions that you can use in M&A? There is a whole range of deal types and deal continuum that we look at, e.g. the full spectrum from minority stakes to full acquisitions, various ways to arrange a merger, leveraged buy outs (LBOs), initial public offerings (IPOs), divestitures, spin-offs, and equity carve-outs.
- M&A Process: The program covers both perspectives from a buyer’s perspective (buy side) and from a seller’s perspective (sell-side). We explore how to seek buyers or potential targets (long list & short list) and how to run a sale in various ways (negotiations and auctions).
- Strategies for M&A: We dive into the strategies for Mergers & Acquisitions. How can you create competitive advantage through M&A, divestitures and equity alliance?
- M&A Negotiation: How can you prepare for the negotiation phase? What are ways to arrange a value creating deal?
- Introduction to Due Diligence: How do you prepare for and execute a smart Due Diligence to assure value creation? What are the different areas that can be covered in the Due Diligence process?
- Success Factors in Transactions: We explore the success factors and key challenges and mistakes to avoid. Which M&A tactics work in which industries?
- Takeover Strategies and Defense Tactics: How can you prepare your company against a hostile takeover attempt and reduce potential threats? Which are the defense mechanisms that you can put into place and how affective are they? Which ways exist to acquire a business successfully in a hostile way?
Learning Outcomes for Essentials of M&A
- Understand the different methods companies can acquire or merge another firm
- Distinguish between Management Buy Outs and Management Buy Ins
- Differentiate between spin-off, split-off & carve-outs
- Classify horizontal & vertical mergers
- Identify different strategies companies use to exit investments
- Classify types of tender offers and what constitutes them
- Analyze and compare different ownership shapes & structures
- Identify growth factors in M&A transactions
- Structure and manage M&A portfolios
- Identify value adding factors in M&A
- Identify value destroying factors
- Analyze various success measurement test & methods
- Classify drivers of profitability in M&A
- Analyze historical M&A waves and their driving factors
- Identify factors in Cross Border M&A activity
- European, Emerging markets, based on regions
- Evaluate historically largest deals
- Define characteristics of M&A waves
- Understand the buy and sell side process, covering both the traditional and holistic view
- Distinguish between the role of advisors and working with them in an M&A setting
- Establish framework for potential target buyer and seller searches
- Identifying relevant industries, companies, locations, financial advisors
- Preparing long and short lists
- How do M&A deals originate and the deal flow
- Discuss necessary agreements and documents in M&A deals
- Construct due diligence plans and activities
- Conducting and updating findings over the transaction lifecycle
- Organizing due diligence teams and data room management
- Identify various areas that require due diligence runs
- Conduct due diligence in a cross-border setting
- Create a minimalistic due diligence
- Identify warning signs in due diligence results
- Judge past and present takeovers battles
- Analyze takeover attacks and strategies for defense
Due Diligence
In the Due Diligence module, we discuss the key questions and topics to address in a due dilligence. It covers the following areas of DD in depth:
- Financial Due Diligence
- Tax Due Diligence
- Legal Due Diligence
- Human Resources (HR) Due Diligence
- Commercial Due Diligence and
- other Due Diligence areas
Learning Outcomes for Due Diligence
- Determine potential deal breakers, negotiations and quality of earnings
- Differentiate between a DD and an audit
- Recognize tax exposures and liabilities
- Analyze different types of taxes
- Structure transactions
- Analyzing current and future liabilities
- Selecting the right legal counsel
- Legal and contractual obstacles
- Analyzing employment contracts, compensation & labor agreements
- Conducting a cultural due diligence
- Running a management audit
- Conceptual & general tools for industry analysis
- Analyze current and potential customers
- Conduct a product and technology portfolio analysis
Legal Module 1: Commercial, Contract & Labor Law
In the valuation module, you will explore
- Structuring the deal
- Understanding and drafting different types of agreements
- Evaluating agreements
- Negotiation and Dispute Resolution
- Governance
Learning Outcomes for Legal Issues in M&A 1
- Acquisition techniques
- Statutory merger, consolidation
- Cash out
- Stock swap
- Procedures for specific merger types
- Hostile friendly and takeover – Antitakeover provisions
- Asset acquisitions
- (Listed vs non-listed) Stock acquisition – Single step, two step
- Triangular mergers
- LBOs
- Governmental Approvals – Antitrust, Foreign Investment
- Earn-Outs
- Puts and Calls – terms and conditions on the exercise of the option
- W&I Insurance
- Guaranty Agreement
- Are there commercial alternatives to the acquisition?
- Drafting agreements,
- Confidentiality, letter of intent, standstill, exclusivity, etc.
- Share Purchase Agreement (SPA)
- Reps and warranties – fundamental res;
- Standard reps
- Caps, baskets and time limits
- Multiple sellers
- Fraud
- Employment Agreements
- Transition Services
- Earn-Out
- Minority Interest and Shareholders Agreement
- Best practices
- Possible red flags
- Counterparty rational when evaluating agreements
- Understanding the buy and sell side of negotiation
- Possible roadblocks in negotiation
- Culture aspects
- Role of the board during M&A, legal liabilities
- Decisions process
- Deal protection, covenants
- Fiduciary responsibilities,
- Compliance with securities watchdog, review of offer
the
- Different Valuation Techniques for Mergers & Acquisitions: Various techniques such as Discounted Cash Flow (DFC) modelling, Transaction and Trading Multiples, and more will be explained step by step including a demonstration of building models in excel.
- Private Equity & Start Up Valuation
- Deal Financing & Payment Structure
- Deal Design & Structure
Legal Module 2: Anti-Trust, Intellectual Property & Regulatory Affairs
- Tax considerations
- Employment
- Intellectual Property (Commercial law)
- Compliance – Human Rights (ESG risks)
- M&A Litigation
- Anti-Trust Laws (Competition law)
- Securities Law / Takeovers
- Bankruptcy law/distressed asset
Learning Outcomes for Legal Issues in M&A 2
- Implications of tax law
- Taxable transactions and relevant regulation
- Tax free transactions and applicability
- Employment at will/relevant regulations
- Compensation and rewards
- Employee contract diligence / unions
- Possible golden parachutes
- Non-competes – employment contracts
- Successorship and layoffs
- Equalizing compensation and benefit programs
- Severance policies – does transaction trigger severance
- Different laws applicable in different geo location, global applicability
- Patents
- Copyrights
- Trade secrets
- Trademarks
- Licenses
- Registration processes, possible points of contention
- Findings during due diligence (liability beyond contractual arrangements)
- Post-closing liability for breach of anti-corruption / human rights rules by target company.
- Best practices
- Possible red flags
- Essential litigation related clauses in contracts
- Anti-trust review process, relevant bodies
- Laws governing anti-trust
- Interpretation of anti-trust laws
- Analysis of mergers and exemptions
- How to handle tender offers/takeovers of public companies
- Mandatory tender offers
- Distressed assets/companies
- Liquidation process, compliance
- Reorganization
- Bankruptcy / Auction
- Disclosure
MEET OUR FACULTY
Our growing faculty of more than 60 professors represent a diverse group of professionals, coming from over 20 countries; they work as corporate executives, entrepreneurs, researchers, consultants and professors. Their expertise makes them subject matter experts, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors.
This intersection of practical industry insight, theoretical knowledge, and passion for teaching that our faculty brings to each training strikes at the heart of what IMAA seeks to be.
Experts and Faculty
PREREQUISITE
- Hold an academic degree (e.g. PhD, JD, DBA, LLM, MBA or Bachelor Degree); and/or hold one or more professional designations (such as CPA, CFA, CAIA or equivalent)
Who Participates
While you will meet an international mix of participants from various industries, the Legal Mergers & Acquisitions program is designed for legal professionals (inhouse or lawyers) as well as for mid-management to senior executives in the C-Suite, directors of public and private companies, board leaders, and heads of strategy and corporate development. It might also be suitable for management consultants, advisers, investment bankers, and private equity investors. Individuals and teams are welcome to attend.
- Click to expand
LM&A Certificate ONLINE
Bundle & Save:
Original price was: $4,360.00.$3,290.00Current price is: $3,290.00.
Take the only international Legal M&A program online available worldwide: Real world content developed and instructed by legal M&A practitioners Well structured and balanced content to understand business and legal isses Materials specifically designed for online use You can complete the program part-time while working and without the need to travel to any course or ... Read more
LM&A October – December 2025
Early Bird Fees:
Original price was: $4,390.00.$3,790.00Current price is: $3,790.00.
Start:
08
Oct
on 13:00 UTC
Oct - Dec 2025
Essentials of M&A (Module 1)
Fees:
$1,090.00
The Essentials of M&A module provides you with a solid foundation in M&A so you can deep dive in integration issues laster. This module covers: Various deal types M&A Process (buy- and sell-side) Strategies for M&A Introduction to Due Diligence Success Factors in Transactions: Takeover Strategies and Defence Tactics in Hostile M&A
Due Diligence (Module 2)
Fees:
$1,090.00
The Due Diligence module covers in detail: Financial Due Diligence Tax Due Diligence Legal Due Diligence Human Resource / HR Due Diligence other Due Diligence areas (e.g. Commercial Due Diligence, Antitrust Due Diligence, Environmental Due Diligence, IT Due Diligence, etc.)
Commercial, Contract & Labor Law (Module 3)
Fees:
$1,090.00
The Commercial, Contact & Labor Law module covers: Structuring the deal Understanding and drafting different types of agreements Evaluating agreements Negotiation and Dispute Resolution Governance For more detailed information, please refer to the content tab above.
The Anti-Trust, Intellectual Property & Regulatory Affairs module covers: Tax considerations Employment Intellectual Property (Commercial law) Compliance – Human Rights (ESG risks) M&A Litigation Anti-Trust Laws (Competition law) Securities Law / Takeovers Bankruptcy law/distressed asset For more detailed information, please refer to the content tab above.
LM&A Certificate ONLINE
Bundle & Save:
Original price was: $4,360.00.$3,290.00Current price is: $3,290.00.
Take the only international Legal M&A program online available worldwide: Real world content developed and instructed by legal M&A practitioners Well structured and balanced content to understand business and legal isses Materials specifically designed for online use You can complete the program part-time while working and without the need to travel to any course or ... Read more
Essentials of M&A (Module 1)
Fees:
$1,090.00
The Essentials of M&A module provides you with a solid foundation in M&A so you can deep dive in integration issues laster. This module covers: Various deal types M&A Process (buy- and sell-side) Strategies for M&A Introduction to Due Diligence Success Factors in Transactions: Takeover Strategies and Defence Tactics in Hostile M&A
Due Diligence (Module 2)
Fees:
$1,090.00
The Due Diligence module covers in detail: Financial Due Diligence Tax Due Diligence Legal Due Diligence Human Resource / HR Due Diligence other Due Diligence areas (e.g. Commercial Due Diligence, Antitrust Due Diligence, Environmental Due Diligence, IT Due Diligence, etc.)
Commercial, Contract & Labor Law (Module 3)
Fees:
$1,090.00
The Commercial, Contact & Labor Law module covers: Structuring the deal Understanding and drafting different types of agreements Evaluating agreements Negotiation and Dispute Resolution Governance For more detailed information, please refer to the content tab above.
The Anti-Trust, Intellectual Property & Regulatory Affairs module covers: Tax considerations Employment Intellectual Property (Commercial law) Compliance – Human Rights (ESG risks) M&A Litigation Anti-Trust Laws (Competition law) Securities Law / Takeovers Bankruptcy law/distressed asset For more detailed information, please refer to the content tab above.
LM&A October – December 2025
Early Bird Fees:
Original price was: $4,390.00.$3,790.00Current price is: $3,790.00.
Start:
08
Oct
on 13:00 UTC
Oct - Dec 2025
No Onsite events are scheduled at this time.
No Virtual Live events are scheduled at this time.
On-Demand Learning at Your Fingertips
The M&A profession is evolving – are you? Train with the global #1 M&A institution trusted by top professionals. Gain cutting-edge expertise and stay ahead – anytime, anywhere.
Get Personalized Insights
Let’s talk about your goals and explore how we can help. No pressure, just valuable insights. Discover how professionals and organizations have leveraged our expertise to achieve real results – improving governance, streamlining processes, enhancing their skills, and ultimately driving transaction success. Get personalized insights how you can do the same!
A key value proposition of IMAA is the networking opportunities offered to enrich your M&A network, increase dealmaking, and advance your career.
Upcoming Events
LM&A Certificate ONLINE
Bundle & Save:
Original price was: $4,360.00.$3,290.00Current price is: $3,290.00.
Take the only international Legal M&A program online available worldwide: Real world content developed and instructed by legal M&A practitioners Well structured and balanced content to understand business and legal isses Materials specifically designed for online use You can complete the program part-time while working and without the need to travel to any course or ... Read more
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FAQs
Accreditation and Recognition
We are the global number #1 provider in M&A education. Participants sign up or companies send their employees in order to prepare for transactions or to enhance their qualification. Future employers reach out to us to check the credentials of candidates and their current status as a charterholder. Potential clients look to us to recommend advisors. We are a high quality provider and are recognized by many other institutions as a continued education provider. Find out more about our accreditations and recognition.
Comparison: Online vs. Onsite Program
| Feature | Online | Onsite |
| Real-life business cases |  | |
| All mandatory course materials included | | |
| Lifelong online access to most current content | | |
| 1-year Individual IMAA Membership | | |
| Start right away | | |
| On-Demand video lectures & direct tutoring | | |
| Full flexibility | | |
| No time constraint | | |
| Work from anywhere in the world | | |
| Different dates & locations worldwide | |
|
| Interactive discussions | |
|
| Networking with peers | |
|
| Complete the program in 6 days | |
|
| Meet face to face with faculty | |
How long does it take to complete the LM&A Certificate?
The LM&A Certification is designed as a part-time program for professionals. The total time of completion depends on your prior background and time you can devote to this. In total for the online program it may take about 60 hours of study. Our fastest participants complete it within 2 months.
More questions?
What is included in the fee?
Our tuition fees include all mandatory and recommended study materials. In addition you get access to our e-library.
When can I enroll for and start with the LM&A Certificate?
You can enroll at any time for the Certificate Program online and start right away. For our onsite M&A courses please check the dates and locations.
Can I take the M&A Certificate entirely online?
Yes, you can take the entire program online from anywhere in the world or while travelling. This is what many of our participants do. For the completion of the M&A Certification there is no physical attendance necessary. However, you can combine online with onsite workshops to reach your designation.
How many participants take your M&A programs?
Our courses and programs in Mergers & Acquisitions, Due Diligence, Valuation and Post Merger Integration (PMI) have taken by more than 2200 participants from all around the world.
What is the difference to other training providers?
We are the number #1 provider and set the standards. Compared with academic executive education offerings, our faculty members are not pure academics – they have closed M&A deals as professionals themselves. So you not only gain theoretical insights, but you will learn hands-on knowledge. Compared with for-profit providers, we are purely focused on M&A trainings and bring in a solid foundation, great structured approach to learning, and the international dimension – and we reinvest in improving our offering.
What is the difference to other certificate programs?
If you compare our programs with the CFA, CAIA, CIMA, or others – we are purely focused on M&A only and are very complementary to these programs. There is very little overlap among the content and insights that our programs provide. Most of them accept our program as continued education.
Where can I ask more questions about your M&A training?
If you have additional questions, please reach out to us via chat, contact form, or give us a call. We are looking forward to hearing from you and learn about your needs and questions.
Related Courses
This course dives deep into the entire M&A process- from strategy and valuation to execution and post merger integration (PMI).
CPMI prepares you for integration issues post-merger, starting with integration planning, up to governance and project management to implement the integration.
The certification dives into the nuts and bolts of the transaction journey—auditing, consulting, deal advisory, and including insights into running a successful M&A practice.
This certification covers the legal aspects of M&A, including best practices, legal contracts, tax considerations, and deal structuring in different geographies and jurisdictions.
HRM&A covers all aspects of the transaction process relevant to human resources, including strategy, due diligence, Post Merger Integration, and compensation benefits.
This training will provide you with the fundamentals of each approach to valuation, with limitations and caveats on the use of each, as well as extended examples in application.
