Facilitator Guide

M&A Closings

Facilitator Guide

M&A Closings

Topic: M&A Basics
Duration: 1 hr
Format: Remote or in person

What’s covered

Simultaneous and delayed closings
Closing checklists
The main closing documents
Timing considerations
Pre-closings
Post-closings

Before the session

Prepare the Attendees

Send the attendees an invitation for the session. Include this link, which has the videos and exercise they’ll need to prepare.

https://www.hotshotlegal.com/trainings/m-a-closings-and-closing-documents/attendee

Prepare Yourself

Watch the videos and read the exercise so you’re familiar with the Hotshot material.

Course

Closing Checklists

A good closing checklist can help any deal run more efficiently. This course suggests five things to keep in mind when working on a closing checklist as well as some drafting tips.
Course

M&A Closings

This course explains the closing process from start to finish, covering things such as the closing checklist, typical closing documents and post-closings.
Exercise
PDF

During the session

Part 1: Knowledge Check

Ask attendees these questions to ensure they understand the topic:

What’s the difference in closing mechanics between a delayed closing and a simultaneous closing?
How do lawyers know what should be listed in a closing checklist for a deal?
What are some timing considerations to keep in mind regarding a closing?
What’s a pre-closing?

Part 2: Group Exercise

Lead a group discussion based on the exercise. To encourage collaboration, divide the attendees into groups to discuss the exercise, then have a representative from each group summarize their views to the larger group. Call on people to share their thoughts and ask others to respond.

Tip for remote sessions: use your web conferencing system’s breakout room feature to divide people into groups.

Part 3: War Stories and Firm Specifics

Share your own experiences and guidance, including:

Anecdotes and war stories (e.g., about a near-disaster or a tough negotiation)
General practice tips (dos and don’ts)
Firm-specific guidance and practices

After the session

To continue their learning, attendees can check out related courses in Hotshot’s M&A Basics topic.

About Hotshot

Hotshot helps lawyers develop their legal, business, and technology skills through short videos, quizzes, and summaries, and we help law firms and law schools plan and deliver engaging training programs. Our customers include Am Law 200 firms, top law schools, and regional and international firms.