00 / M&A Framework

M&A framework template.

Should the client acquire this company? Rationale, target quality, and deal economics. A complete, genuinely MECE issue tree (35 nodes, three levels deep), ready to open and adapt.

Open this template

Free to start. No sign-up required.

01 / The Complete Structure

Every branch, already built.

This is the exact tree that opens in the builder -- root question, every first-level branch, and every split beneath it. Nothing here is a placeholder; adapt it to the specific business in front of you once you're editing it live.

Should the company acquire the target?

  • Strategic rationale
    • Revenue synergies
      • Cross-selling opportunities
      • Geographic expansion
    • Strategic capabilities
      • Technology / IP
      • Customers / distribution
  • Target attractiveness
    • Market position
      • Market share
      • Competitive differentiation
    • Business quality
      • Customer base
      • Revenue growth
    • Operational capabilities
      • Product / technology
      • Organization
  • Deal economics
    • Standalone value
      • Revenue & growth
      • Profitability
    • Synergies
      • Revenue synergies
      • Cost synergies
    • Purchase price
      • Valuation
      • Financing requirements
  • Execution & risks
    • Integration
      • Operations & technology
      • People & culture
    • Deal risks
      • Regulatory risks
      • Customer / employee attrition

02 / Go Deeper

Read the guide, or browse every case type.

For the reasoning behind this structure -- and how to adapt it to an unfamiliar business under time pressure -- read the full m&a framework guide →. Preparing for a different case type? See every case interview template →

03 / FAQ

FAQ

Is this template free to use?

Yes. Open it and start editing immediately, no account needed. Sign in (free) only if you want to save it and come back to it later.

Can I edit the template?

Yes -- it's a normal, fully editable tree the moment it opens. Rename branches, add or remove nodes, drag to reorganize, and adapt it to the actual case in front of you.