Have you ever wanted to know what goes on behind the multi-million-dollar mergers and acquisitions that you see on the news? What are their inner workings? What kind of knowledge is necessary to succeed in this business? During the Spring Semester 2025, Â鶹Éç students had the opportunity of participating in a M&A Law and Finance class taught by industry professional, , from Lexacta - Global Advice. Fabio Marazzi is a lawyer with expertise in cross-border M&A transactions. With over three decades of experience spearheading legal and business strategies, Marazzi aimed to impart his knowledge to the next generation at Franklin.
The month-long 1-credit course included lectures about the work that is done at Lexacta, and the key concepts and knowledge behind mergers and acquisitions. In addition, the highlight of the course was a case study assignment, supervised by Fabio Marazzi and Andrea Noris, a consultant at Lexacta - Global Advice. This assignment involved a deep dive into a Share Purchase Agreement(SPA). The SPA outlined the financial, legal, and structural elements of the transaction, and students were tasked with assessing the risks and implications for both the buyers and sellers. The case involved a Spanish company with subsidiaries, including a 50% stake in another entity, requiring students to navigate the complexities of ownership structures, financial reporting, and legal compliance.
By engaging with this case study, students gained hands-on experience in analyzing M&A financial structures, negotiating deal terms, and identifying potential legal pitfalls. They explored how buyers mitigate risks through indemnities and post-closing restrictions, while sellers seek to maximize their payout and limit ongoing liabilities. The case study also underscored the importance of thorough due diligence in uncovering hidden risks that could impact the financial success of a transaction.
After the conclusion of the course, Lexacta offered a two-week practical experience to several students who demonstrated outstanding effort in their case study analysis and final presentations. During this opportunity, students worked on a series of business-focused assignments provided by Professor Marazzi’s law firm. The tasks were primarily related to mergers and acquisitions (M&A), giving students the opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge, engage with real-world legal and commercial issues and to work alongside industry professionals.
The M&A Law and Finance class at Â鶹Éç was more than just an academic exercise; it was a gateway into the world of corporate finance, investment banking, and legal advisory. By working on a real transaction, students developed a deeper understanding of the financial and legal intricacies of mergers and acquisitions. For those aspiring to careers in private equity, corporate law, or financial consulting, this course provided an invaluable foundation for navigating the high-stakes world of global business deals.
Written by: Jesse Fioranelli and Denzel Louis