Hands on experience wins SAF students 2nd and 3rd in M&A Competition

Friday, March 4, 2016

SAF students brought their experiential classroom and co-op learning to the Rotman Commerce Finance Association (RMCFA) Mergers & Acquisitions Competition (M&A Competition) and placed 2nd and 3rd.

SAF students place second
Students were judged on analytical, critical thinking, and presentation skills in the context of assessing a real life M&A transaction.

This competition comprised of a “Leverage Buy Out” case where students were asked to analyze case facts, and create a proposal. The student team presented their proposal which was supported by qualitative and quantitative reasoning. “This competition was an excellent opportunity to learn about a real life case scenario,” states Talha Siddiqui, “conducting analysis on it, and being judged by industry professionals.” The competition event was held at the University of Toronto St. George campus on March 4, 2016.

Raj Patel praises the hands-on experience the Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) program in preparing them for the competition. "It was a great opportunity to apply the concepts we've learned in school to a real world scenario, while also making meaningful relationships.”

SAF students
The RMCFA website describes the case competition as a challenge for upper-year students to apply the experience and knowledge they have learned in the classroom to this rigorous competition. The M&A Competition provides students with the opportunity to develop their technical skills through the application of the knowledge they learned in the classroom. Presented with a case, students are given time to work through a real life merger and acquisition. They are then required to present the case in front of industry professionals.

The SAF student teams impressed the industry judges with their depth of knowledge and ability to integrate and apply classroom concepts to be awarded 2nd and 3rd place in the competition.

Michael Kam likes the competitive advantage our students have with our co-op and mentorship program, and thinks this enhanced their case. “It was a great experience to represent the School of Accounting and Finance. As always, it's enlightening to apply concepts in a competitive environment.” Thinisha Gunasekera adds, “When these efforts are noticed and rewarded, it is the best feeling.”

Congratulations on your win!