Lesson Plan

• Describe the main reasons companies pursue mergers or takeovers.
• Explain key factors that can prevent a merger or takeover from meeting its strategic objectives.
• Analyse how cultural compatibility and integration planning influence post‑deal performance.
• Calculate the percentage growth in sales or profit after a merger using the provided formula.
• Evaluate real‑world case studies to identify indicators of success or failure.

• Projector and screen
• Slide deck covering definitions, benefits, drawbacks, and factors
• Printed case study handouts (Case A & Case B)
• Worksheet for growth‑calculation activity
• Whiteboard and markers
• Sticky notes for quick polls
• Exit‑ticket slips

Start with a quick poll: “What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘merger’?” Connect this to prior lessons on organic growth. Explain that today’s success criteria are to identify why mergers succeed or fail and to apply a growth‑measurement formula.

1. Do‑now (5') – Students write one perceived advantage and one disadvantage of mergers on sticky notes; share briefly.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Define merger, takeover, organic vs. inorganic growth; outline why companies pursue them.
3. Case Study Analysis (15') – Small groups examine Case A (successful) and Case B (unsuccessful), complete a comparison worksheet.
4. Factors Discussion (10') – Whole‑class discussion of strategic fit, cultural compatibility, due diligence, regulatory issues, and integration planning.
5. Growth Calculation Activity (10') – Using a sample post‑merger sales figure, students calculate percentage growth with the formula.
6. Exit Ticket (5') – Each student writes one key factor that could cause a merger to miss its objectives.

Recap the main reasons mergers are undertaken and the critical success factors discussed. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding, and assign homework: research a recent merger and write a brief analysis of whether it is likely to achieve its objectives.