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Applied Mergers and Acquisitions (Wiley Finance) - More class-related work. Explains the effects of M&A, different transactions, defenses and governance policies. It's more of a research book but it has a good chapter on valuation and a good chapter on M&A structures. (with their pro's and con's.)
Investment Banking: Valuation, Leveraged Buyouts, and Mergers and Acquisitions - A more practical book that really gets into the every-day work of M&A.
Both come with CD's with excel problems. First book even has a very good work book to really delve into solving M&A cases.
I highly suggest both.
The Synergy Trap - Mark Sirower
Barbarians At The Gate
Damn It Feels Good to Be A Banker - Leverage Sellout (for humor; not educational)
M&A must read books for recent graduate? (Originally Posted: 11/05/2014)
I had a little bit experiences in ER, but I feel my personality will make me an ideal fit for IB. Plus I love challenge. I am reading Vault and 400 ib interview Q. I do want to get a deeper view of the industry, but not just beat the interview per say.
I wonder if you guys can recommend any books about, for example, M&A history or basic IB models? I would also like to know any books that a potential analyst must read before he/she break into the industry.
Pearl and Rosenbaum - Investment Banking
Plenty of information online, don't need to spend money, use websites like macabacus.com. If you want to spend some money though, grab these books:
Monkey Business (Culture) Damn It Feels Good To Be A Banker (Culture) Rosenbaum Book Scoop Books - grab both Kings of Capital (PE) Merchants of Debt (PE) The Art of M&A Fitch Learning/Investment Banking (The Complete Analyst)
There are several threads on reading lists, look around. Keep up to date with news: Dealbook, themiddlemarket.com.
How good is that Art of M&A book? Been thinking about investing time in that one.
And is Fitch Learning any good if you've already internalized the entire Rosenbaum & Pearl book + a couple of interview guides. I would think for some it may start to hit the point of diminishing returns.
what about financial modelling courses/ excel case studies? would books be more beneficial?
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M&A specific strategy books? (Originally Posted: 06/19/2012)
What are some good books/guides on strategic analysis in the context of M&A? I'm looking to brush up for interviews and ideally looking for something that would discuss the strategic considerations you look at when evaluating a deal.
Try "The Practitioner's Guide to Investment Banking" by Scoop Books. You must order it off their website as it is not available on Amazon.
Robert Bruner's book: "Applied Mergers and Aquisitions" is also really good, but it is very long and probably overkill just for interviews. Also, if you are not used to the case method (i.e. you did not go to HBS or Darden, where Bruner is the dean) you might find it a bit odd.
Pearl and Rosenbaum's book is also really solid, probably the most applicable to technical interview questions.
Books - advanced topics in M&A (Originally Posted: 04/09/2015)
Hello, Can anyone please recommend a good book about high level, 'advanced' M&A topics? I've been an Associate at a small firm for a while now and trying to supplement my day-to-day grind. I realize of course the best is learning on the job, but I'm hoping to proactively elevate myself with some new reading material, to think more like a VP :). Many years of comps and pitches has made me a bit (very) stale.
I'm thinking a book/textbook that covers creative/tailored deal structures (discussion about earn-outs, multiple stage acquisitions), valuation, legal and accounting issues that arise during the process - all at a high and practical level.
Many thanks!
Some people recommend this one: http://www.amazon.com/Mergers-Acquisitions-Corporate-Restructurings-Pat…
I'm a fan of Scoops' "The Practitioner's Guide to Investment Banking, Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Finance" (http://www.scoopbooks.com/ourbooks_2.php)
It's written by two former BB M&A Associates/VPs and does a pretty good job of covering some of the more advanced yet key M&A topics. However, although I'd consider it high level and practical, I'm not sure if it's as in depth as you're looking for (although I find it easier to read and less dry than a standard M&A textbook). I have the book at my desk, so if you're curious about any particular topic, I'd be happy to get back to you with how much material they have on that topic
Fulsome Book on M&A (Originally Posted: 01/12/2014)
Friends,
I've been gone for a while, but hopefully not forgotten.
Looking for your advice with respect to a book that both explains the M&A process, walks through a merger model and through purchase accounting / asset write-ups / transaction structures / reverse double dummies, etc.
Recognizing there are a lot of books out there on Leveraged Buyouts (recent Pignataro book) and valuation (also Pignataro book), I haven't been able to find something that goes through the M&A process step by step, as I personally find merger modeling and the weird accounting mumbo-jumbo that goes hand-in-hand with mergers to be the most difficult (and I feel like most Analysts don't really ever have to deal with these topics as the work is heavily LBO / valuation centered).
Thanks much!
DV
interested as well
I would highly recommend the The Practitioner's Guide to Investment Banking, Mergers & Acquisitions, corporate finance by Scoops. It's in my opinion one of the top M&A reference guides for junior bankers
It covers a variety of topics, but the M&A section is comprehensive and well-written. It does a good job of clearly explaining some of the trickier aspects of M&A (e.g. M&A tax, purchasing accounting etc) and I know a lot of guys who keep it as a reference at their desk
I have bought Rosenbaum, and am considering buying the book you suggested. Would you know the differences between the two? I have a 2 week holiday to prepare before an IBD interview. Appreciate some guidance.
Thanks, anything under $200? I'll buy it if I have to but would rather avoid it...
I think the Rosenbaum book will be good.
I'm guessing you looked at Amazon and saw $200+. If you go to Scoop Books' official website, it's only $95.
Rosenbaum doesn't really go through the nitty gritty of M&A. IIRC, the M&A section really explains what a teaser, CIM, management presentation, etc. are -- nothing technical about it.
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