ACG University

 

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ACGU Class of 2024

 

ACG University: Building the Next Generation of Dealmakers

ACG University is Greater Philadelphia’s premier networking and educational program for emerging M&A professionals. Each year, the program enrolls 40 up-and-coming dealmakers with 3-6 years of experience, offering a comprehensive 7-session course on the full deal lifecycle—from sourcing to exits.

Program Goals

  • Develop essential deal-making skills through lectures, case studies, and expert panels.
  • Foster lasting networks among future M&A leaders, including private equity and strategic buyers, investment bankers, attorneys, accountants, and lenders.
  • Connect participants to the ACG and broader deal community through membership (included), with graduates joining ACG Philadelphia Young Dealmakers.

Course Format

Participants engage in an immersive curriculum covering all stages of a deal: sourcing, valuing, diligence, financing, negotiating, structuring, integrating, and exiting. Each class includes:

  • Pre-reading materials
  • Expert instruction and panel discussions
  • Team-based casework with feedback

Classes meet every 2-3 weeks on Friday mornings (8:00 AM – 12:30 PM) at Faegre Drinker’s Center City offices.

Apply for ACGU 2025

  • Eligibility: Open to dealmakers living and working in Greater Philadelphia. Candidates must be sponsored by an ACG member.
  • Selection: Based on experience, commitment, and the applicant pool’s composition.
  • Applications: Open in August 2024.

For inquiries, email acgphiladelphia@acg.org. Space is limited—don’t miss this opportunity to advance your career!

 

Apply Today!

 

Applicant Guidance by Role

  • Accountants: 3-4 years of Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) experience or M&A Tax experience. M&A Tax is often outside the TAS umbrella.
  • Attorneys: 4-6 years of diverse deal experience with a growing legal skill set. Typically not yet at the partner or counsel level.
  • Investment Bankers: 
    • For career changers: 2 years of M&A experience required.
    • For those starting directly in banking: 2-3 years of experience, with references from senior colleagues
  • Other Professionals: 4-6 years of work regularly touching M&A is preferred. Candidates with more extensive experience in M&A may be overqualified for this program.

 

Program Pricing

  • Tuition: $1,495 per accepted applicant, covering seven classes, networking events, and a one-year ACG membership.
  • Payment is due upon acceptance; no application fee is required.

 

Cancellation and Attendance Policies

  • Enrollment: Tuition is non-refundable and includes program participation and ACG membership for the admitted year.
  • Firm Transfers:
    • If a student moves firms before the program starts and paid their own tuition, they may continue as planned.
    • If the firm paid and the original student cannot attend, the firm may nominate a replacement (subject to review). Changes are not allowed after classes begin.
  • Attendance:
    • Participants are expected to attend all seven sessions, with allowance for one absence due to deal demands.
    • Students will collaborate in cross-functional teams for case studies, learning from senior dealmakers.

 

Program Highlights

  • Earn Pennsylvania CPE and CLE credits (documentation provided upon completion).
  • Runs annually from January to April.
  • Highly rated for practical education and invaluable networking.
  • Alumni often continue to leadership roles within ACG, including on the Board of Directors and committees.
 

Learn More: 

View Past Class Attendees on our Alumni Page.
 

Thank you to our ACG University Sponsors

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Faegre Drinker
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RSM US LLP