S. Deals Workshop: Acquisition Finance

This course provides a practical introduction to the financing of acquisitions, with a focus on leveraged buyouts, a core practice area at leading international law firms. By tracking the steps of such a deal, from initial client engagement to closing, students will gain an understanding of key topics in acquisition financings generally.

It is designed for students considering any kind of law firm transactional practice, but it will also provide valuable transferable skills to those who choose other career paths.

Classes will cover these topics:
- Core business terms;
- Key acquisition issues;
- Structuring considerations;
- Term sheet discussions;
- Credit agreement fundamentals; and
- Closing mechanics.

Through a deal-making framework, students will gain tools that aim to give them a meaningful advantage in their careers. These include:
- Hands-on negotiating skills;
- Drafting techniques; and
- Confidence navigating deal documents, including: a financing grid; a credit agreement; and a closing checklist.

The aim is for classes to be interactive and experiential. The course will incorporate:
- Two mock negotiation sessions;
- A real time drafting exercise focused on delivering client value; and
- “Live” practical exercises relating to key business, legal, and practical issues.

The final grade will be based on the following:
- Consistent attendance and value adding class participation (25%)
- Mock negotiations (20%)
- Live drafting exercise (5%);
- Initial written paper (15%); and
- Final written paper (35%).

The lecturer has over three decades of experience practicing law at leading international law firms, primarily as an equity partner. She has been admitted to the New York, English, and Singapore bars.

Due to high demand in prior years, students (registered or waitlisted) must attend the first session and confirm enrollment by 5pm on January 22. Students who do not confirm by that time will not be enrolled, and admission will proceed through the waitlist in order, with each student having 12 hours to confirm. After enrollment is confirmed, withdrawal will require approval.