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Certified Post Merger Integration Specialist (CPMI)

Program Description

The Certified Post Merger Integration Professional (CPMI) is a tailored program to address the needs of advisors, Human Resource professionals, Project Managers, management consultants, change specialists, corporate M&A and integration teams. The program covers all aspect of the post-merger integration process from planning to implementation. The CPMI program is the only globally oriented Post Merger integration certification in existence and is internationally recognized.
WHAT TO EXPECTCONTENTLEARNING OUTCOMESKEY FACTS & FEESWHO PARTICIPATESDESIGNATIONTESTIMONIALS

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Post Merger Integration program dives deep into the integration issues post acquisition or merger. It covers pre-closing preparation in terms of strategy, synergy identification, and integration planning as well as actually running and implementing the integration in terms of integration governance and project management. Also integration issues and aspects of different core functions, such as marketing & sales, finance, human resources, etc. are covered. Last but not least, there is an additional emphasis on change management in order to make the integration a success.

Whether you are involved in the integration as part of the acquiring or target company or assist clients as a consultant, this program will help you to understand the complexity in integration in its entirety and do a better job in dealing with its complexity.

In the highly interactive on-site course or the self-paced online course, you’ll take your skills to the next level by practicing:

  • Plan for the integration the right way and early on
    Connect strategy with integration planning and design during the transaction, due diligence, and negotiation phases.
  • Getting the synergies right
    Explore and corroborate the various synergies that can be achieved in different functions and the business be it cost and/or growth synergies and how to realize them.
  • Succeed with Change Management
    Learn from our experts how to successfully implement the changes needed to align your goals, bringing organizations together and making the integration a success.

CONTENT

The CPMI program is structured in four modules based on our CPMI Framework and Body of Knowledge for Mergers & Acquisitions. It is available to take online or onsite.

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, 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 Megers & 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 Defence Tactics: How can you prepare your company against a hostile takeover attempt and reduce potential threats? Which are the defence mechanisms that you can put into place and how affective are they? Which ways exist to acquire a business successfully in a hostile way?
Integration Governance & Project Management
In this module, you will learn how to set up and execute the integration and look at the following issues:

  • M&A deal types, implications for integration and key success factors: value maximization in M&A; acquisition climate and target resistance; directions of M&A integration; dependencies between the acquisition strategy and degree of integration; key success factors in M&A dynamics
  • Integration Governance: Governance structure including Steering Committees, Integration Management Office (IMO), work-streams (functional and others), roles & responsibilities; integration design & implementation on day 1 execution; mobilizing the IMO; integrations as professional project management; handover from transaction team to integration team
  • Integration Planning: Integration principles and planning directions; business goals and integration activities; integration playbooks
  • Integration Process Models: Compact model; sub-project model; process model; hybrid model; development and tracking
  • Balancing Integration activities and day-to-day business: business as usual challenges in integration; how to keep the focus on day-to-day business; clarification on key customer journeys; the role and benefits of quick wins
Function Integration
In this module, you will explore the drivers, challenges and key activities for the integration with respect to the different business functions, such as

  • Marketing & Sales
  • Finance
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology
Culture & Change Management
The module on Change Management will specifically address these issues in the deal environment and how to bring change successfully to organizations in the post acquisition or merger phase.

  • Challenges in Change Management and M&A: Why it is needed and how to overcome the merger syndrome? How to deal with individual employees and groups in their different status in the integration journey? Factors needed for successful change. The general syndromes of resistance to change and how to overcome them.
  • Day 1 and Change Management: The psychological shift in the M&A process from pre-deal to Day 1. The different dimensions and transition. Important work-stream considerations for Day 1.
  • Cultural Assessment and Integration: Dimensions and categories of cultural assessment. Types of cultural integration. How to integrate the different business functions, e.g. Sales & Marketing, Finance, HR, etc.
  • Communication: Pre-closing and post-closing communication. Internal and external communication in integration. Stakeholder expectations and management.
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 & 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
Integration management and Synergies

  • Understanding various merger types and appropriate integration methods
  • Outlining success factors
  • Identifying quick wins and synergies
  • Developing governance structure
  • Identifying project and function leads
  • Building Project Management office and steering committee
  • Defining governance roles for PMO, Steering Committee

    • Define reporting standards
    • Developing communication roll out plan and implementation
  • Planning and executing Day 1 plans

    • Outlining pressing strategic needs
  • Initiating communication plan for Day 1
  • Mobilizing PMOs, ensure functional representation
  • Workstream consolidation and horizontal functions
  • Developing and implementing weekly process
  • Develop and implement process for aligning companies

    • Understand key alignment factors
    • Familiarize with tools for implementation
  • Align integration plans with business strategy

    • Create alignment procedures
    • Identify workstreams and implement
  • Develop and align integration phases
  • Initialize plan for identifying and implementing synergies
  • Identify driver for M&A and cement targets
  • Lay out typical areas for potential synergies
  • Align synergies with post close operating model
  • Identify various planning and implementation risks
  • Align due diligence findings with synergies
  • Modelling synergies
  • Identifying key performance factors
  • Identifying target and screening processes
  • Planning Initial due diligence phase identifying key information requirements
  • Developing and implementing transition phase model
  • Developing phase model for Day 1/ First 100 Days
  • Understand project management principles and implementation in integration management
  • Align integration plans with project management principles
  • Define responsibilities for organizational change projects
  • Identify key factors for quick wins
  • Execution for realizing quick wins
Culture and Change Management

  • Identify various Dimensions of change management
  • Familiarizing and using appropriate change management tools
  • Derive methods of data collection and metric development
  • Identify the driver and inhibitors of change
  • Familiarizing with tools for managing change Identify challenges and ambiguities
  • Plan for managing for potential conflicts
  • Develop blueprint for day 1 communication
  • Identify cultural differences within merging firms
  • Develop plan for running cultural due diligence and assessment
  • Identify best possible structure based on assessment finding
  • Develop roadmap for cultural integration or assimilation
  • Developing a communication plan
  • Identify key stakeholders for communication loop
  • Assess potential channels for communication
  • Understand communication phases and implementation plans
  • Identify risks and opportunities when assessing culture
  • Identify key aspects for managing new culture
  • Develop roadmap for integrating culture
Integrating Functions

  • Align functions with acquisition rational
  • Prioritize integration decisions based on blueprint
  • Identify and manage stakeholders based on necessity
  • Developing plan for key individuals for retention and core management
  • Identifying possible sales synergies
  • Develop plan implement key growth methods
  • Identify quick commercial wins
  • Define possible challenges arising
  • Develop customer-centric plan for communication and realizing synergies
  • Align with cultural assessment
  • Understand the different phases and analytical blueprint
  • Learn and apply data analysis methods
  • Understand methods for qualitative assessment
  • Understand the building blocks for customer centric selling
  • Identify financial function integration areas
  • Isolate key finance integration consideration
  • Identify reporting pressures
  • Develop plan for continuity and dependencies
  • Develop plan for aligning and consolidating financial books
  • Identify and implement business controls
  • Understand financing risk profile
  • Understand integration tracking tools and implementation

KEY FACTS & FEES

Key Facts

  • Onsite and Virtual Live: 30 hours; Online: approx. 60 hours
  • Leading faculty from academia and the industry
  • Split into four, easy-to-digest modules
  • Content updated regularly
  • Prequisite: Hold an academic degree (e.g. PhD, JD, DBA, MBA or Bachelor Degree); and/or hold one or more professional designations (such as CPA, CFA, CAIA, SHRM-CP or equivalent)

Course Fee

  • Online Program $2’990 USD
  • Virtual Live Program $3’990 USD
  • Onsite Program $4’990 USD

Included

  • Life-long access to the most up-to-date online course content*
  • Onsite programs include hard copies of all presentations and materials
  • CPMI Charter and Designation upon completion
  • First year of Annual Membership Fee
  • Access to the entire IMAA e-Library
  • Global network of charterholders and experts
  • Continued Education / Continued Professional Development: 10 hours bi-annually of relevant online or onsite education provided by IMAA (online CE/CPD included in the annual membership fee

WHO PARTICIPATES

While you will meet an international mix of participants from various industries, the Mergers and Acquisitions program is designed 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 is also geared toward advisers, investment bankers, transactional lawyers, and private equity investors. Individuals and teams are welcome to attend.

By Function

By Industry

By Region


After successfully completing the course, you will receive the CPMI Charter. The CPMI designation is the most internationally recognized designation offered in the field of Post Merger Integration. This charter signals to peers, clients, employers, and other professionals that you have completed the most comprehensive PMI education program available and are proficient in all areas of the mergers and acquisitions process.

CPMI
Marco Freidl

Senior Project Manager M&A at Oerlikon

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Marco Freidl

I very much appreciated the direct interactions and active discussions with other participants each with a different background. In addition, learning from and discussing with the experienced professionals who were leading the course was highly valuable. It was also great to look at PMI from different but at the same time often interlinked perspectives which in the course of the program increasingly became part of an overall framework.
CPMI
Rui Jorge

Senior Manager Finance at Ansell

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Rui Jorge

The CPMI course was a great event, really a pleasure to be part of it. You cannot have any better than the Post Merger Integration training by IMAA. The quality of the material and subjects covered were comprehensive and exceptionally well deployed. The share of experiences of real-life situations from such bright trainers, as well as trainees, have enriched the content and enlengthening the minds. It is a privilege to be a CPMI Charterholder and to continue having access the extensive library, the course and additional materials, that document many years of experience and research on the knowledge areas of Post-Merger Integrations.
CPMI
Bethany Beckham

Lead M&A Integration Specialist at Sunoco LP

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Bethany Beckham

I had the pleasure to attend the onsite training for the CPMI certification program. It was one of the best experiences to network and gather best practices from practitioners around the globe. What I appreciate the most is the small class size that allows more collaboration amongst the attendees and the facilitators. Real world, international experiences that were shared were invaluable and motivated me to continue on my career path.
More Testimonials    

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Study Options

You can join our CPMI program in three formats:

  • onsite: in person
  • virtual: live & interactive
  • online: self-paced

The onsite format is held in an intensive 30 hours program (in 4 or 5 days depending on location).

The virtual format is a live and interactive format that offers the same interactive opportunities as the onsite format, but with the luxury of never having to leave home or office. This format is delivered over a couple of weeks to allow for a great learning experience, providing both structure and flexibility.

The online format offers an extensive training but with maximum flexibility for busy professionals. This course is designed for self-study with on-demand video lectures specifically produced for the online format. The course assignments include real-life business case studies, multiple choice questions, and more. There is no time constraint to complete the online course; so you can set your own schedule and work at your own pace.

All formats are taught by leading faculty members that are practitioners and specialized subject matter experts to provide participants with the most up-to-date and practical content available. The faculty combines global thought leaders and regional experts.

Networking oportunities are provided in all programs to connect with an elite and diverse group of professionals and instructors.

Register Now!

Register now for the ONLINE FORMAT and start right away:

CPMI Certificate ONLINE Get started right away! Bundle Discount $3,690.00 $2,990.00 Register Now
Take the number one Post Merger Integration program online available wordwide:
  • Real world content developed and instructed by PMI practitioners
  • Well structured and balanced content to succeed in integrations
  • Largest number of experienced experts as instructors
  • 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 examination location.

This bundle includes all 4 modules:
  • Essentials of M&A
  • Integration Governance and Synergies
  • Integration of Functions
  • Culture and Change Management

Register now, benefit from a discount and get started with your CPMI Certification program!

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Location:

Available worldwide - 24/7

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Save your seat for the VIRTUAL LIVE TRACK:

Europe 15 March, 2021 - 26 March, 2021 $3,990.00 Register Now

Meet other executives & professionals and explore how to benefit from the global best practices in Post Merger Integration.

Learn from experienced practitioners and faculty from Europe.

Training sessions (dates and times, Central European Time):

  • Monday to Friday, March 15 to 26, 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm (CET)


Register Now
Location:

Online - live & interactive

START:

Monday, March 15, 1.00 pm (CET)

END:

Friday, March 26, 4.30 pm (CET)

North America 19 April, 2021 - 30 April, 2021 $3,990.00 Register Now

Meet other executives & professionals and explore how to benefit from the global best practices in Post Merger Integration.

Learn from experienced practitioners and faculty from North America.

Training sessions (dates and times, Eastern):

  • Monday to Friday, April 19 to 30, 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm (EST)


Register Now
Location:

Online - live & interactive

START:

Monday, April 19, 1.00 pm (EST)

END:

Friday, April 30, 4.30 pm (EST)

Europe 13 September, 2021 - 24 September, 2021 Early Bird $3,990.00 $3,490.00 Until 12-Jul-2021 Register Now

Meet other executives & professionals and explore how to benefit from the global best practices in Post Merger Integration.

Learn from experienced practitioners and faculty from Europe.

Training sessions (dates and times, Central European Time):

  • Monday to Friday, September 13 to 24, 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm (CET)


Register Now
Location:

Online - live & interactive

START:

Monday, September 13, 1.00 pm (CET)

END:

Friday, September 24, 4.30 pm (CET)

Asia-Pacific 18 October, 2021 - 29 October, 2021 Early Bird $3,990.00 $3,490.00 Until 11-Apr-2021 Register Now

Meet other executives & professionals and explore how to benefit from the global best practices in Post Merger Integration.

Learn from experienced practitioners and faculty from Asia-Pacific and the US.

Training sessions (dates and times, Singapore time):

  • Training: Monday to Friday, October 18 to 29, each day 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm (Singapore Standard Time)
  • Exam (optional*): Saturday, November 13 / * Exam is for participants that claim support by the Singapore training scheme.


Register Now
Location:

Online - live & interactive

START:

Monday, October 18, 1.00 pm (Singapore Standard Time)

END:

Friday, October 29, 4.30 pm (Singapore Standard Time)

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Save your seat for the ONSITE TRACK:

Singapore 9 June, 2021 - 12 June, 2021 Early Bird $4,990.00 $4,490.00 Until 11-Apr-2021 Register Now
This program is taught by international faculty with experience of PMI globally as well as within South East Asia.

Register Now
Location:

Singapore

START:

Wednesday, June 09

END:

Saturday, June 12

Vienna 4 October, 2021 - 8 October, 2021 Early Bird $4,990.00 $4,490.00 Until 03-Aug-2021 Register Now

Meet other executives & professionals and explore how to benefit from the global best practices in Post Merger Integration.

Learn from experienced practitioners and faculty from Europe.

Register Now

Location:

Vienna

START:

Monday, October 4, 1:00 pm (CET)

END:

Friday, October 8, 12:15 pm (CET)

New York 11 October, 2021 - 15 October, 2021 Early Bird $4,990.00 $4,490.00 Until 10-Aug-2021 Register Now

Meet other executives & professionals and explore how to benefit from the global best practices in Post Merger Integration.

Learn from experienced practitioners and faculty from North America.

Register Now

Location:

New York City (Midtown)

START:

Monday, October 11, 1:00 pm (EST)

END:

Friday, October 15, 12:15 pm (EST)

All Course Materials and Access to Bonus E-Library Included

All mandatory material as well as recommended readings are included in your tuition. As a bonus, since learning is a continues process to stay abreast of new challenges and opportunities, you gain free 1-year membership to our unique and extensive Learning Center resources. This covers unlimited access to our proprietary e-Library which includes M&A research, and cutting edge publications from our expert faculty and other global thought leaders.

Additional Information

Accreditation and Recognition
We are the global number #1 provider in M&A education. Companies sign up their employees in order to prepare for transactions or to enhance their qualification for the next promotion. 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
FeatureOnlineOnsite
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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you have any questions, please do reach out to us by:
    • chat
    • phone
see our international contact details

How long does it take to complete the M&A Certificate?

The IM&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 100 hours of study. Our fastest participants complete it within 2 months.

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 enrol for and start with the IM&A Certificate?

You can enrol 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 1’500 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 don’t gain only purely 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.

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