EPS 7557: Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA)
3 credits
This course is designed for students who aspire to become entrepreneurs by acquiring and leading an existing business rather than starting one from scratch. While small business acquisitions share some characteristics with larger M&A transactions and leveraged buyouts led by private equity firms, they are inherently entrepreneurial, demanding unique skills, creativity, and judgment.
Organized around a typical search entrepreneur's journey, the course covers key phases including search and deal sourcing, valuation and financing, negotiation and closing, and post-acquisition leadership. Students will build practical skills in screening targets, engaging with owners, structuring transactions, raising debt and equity capital, conducting due diligence, addressing legal considerations, and negotiating effectively.
Prerequisites: None however prior exposure to valuation and financial analysis is strongly recommended.