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Facilitator Guide

M&A Closings

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/discussions/m-a-closings-and-closing-documents/attendee

Prepare Yourself

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

  • still frame from M&A Closing Checklists

    Course

    M&A 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.

  • still frame from M&A Closings

    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.

  • Icon of a document

    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.