Interaction Session on Mergers & Acquisitions

The Interaction Session on Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), conducted by CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, on 6 September 2025, was a noteworthy academic event under the CHRIST Alumni Global Connect Program. The session was led by Mr. Raghav S, Post Integration Analyst at Egis Group, Paris, who brought to the platform a rich blend of technical expertise, global exposure, and practical knowledge of corporate M&A transactions. The event was designed to benefit students of the Department of Commerce, faculty members, and alumni, making it a comprehensive and inclusive learning opportunity across the CHRIST network.

Mergers and acquisitions are widely recognized as one of the most significant strategies for corporate growth, transformation, and competitive positioning in the global economy. The session began with an overview of the strategic significance of M&A, setting the stage for participants to understand why such transactions are undertaken by businesses. Mr. Raghav explained that M&A is not merely about combining two companies but about creating synergies that unlock value, whether through market expansion, operational efficiency, or technological advancement.

A key highlight of the talk was Mr. Raghav’s structured walkthrough of the phases of an M&A process. Participants gained insights into the critical steps, including initial due diligence, valuation and deal structuring, negotiation, and post-merger integration. He highlighted the importance of rigorous due diligence to uncover potential risks, the negotiation tactics used to achieve a win–win outcome, and the often-overlooked yet vital integration phase where the success or failure of a deal is ultimately determined.

The discussion also addressed challenges inherent in M&A, particularly cultural integration, employee morale, and the need for transparent and effective communication between all stakeholders. Mr. Raghav drew from his own professional experience in Paris to share real-world examples, which made the session highly relatable and insightful. He elaborated on how misalignment between organizational cultures can derail even well-structured deals and suggested strategies for mitigating such risks through leadership involvement, change management practices, and consistent communication.

To make the session more engaging, Mr. Raghav used case studies of well-known global mergers, highlighting both successes and failures. These case studies illustrated how successful integration can not only deliver financial value but also spur innovation, enhance infrastructure, and create long-term benefits for shareholders, employees, and customers alike.

The session also fulfilled important academic and professional development goals. It supported SDG 4 (Quality Education) by delivering a knowledge-rich, interactive session and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by focusing on processes that enhance global business competitiveness and infrastructure development. Furthermore, the event strengthened alumni engagement by connecting current students with accomplished graduates, thereby reinforcing mentorship and networking opportunities.

The program concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where students raised pertinent questions about international M&A regulations, cross-border deal complexities, and career pathways in the M&A space. Mr. Raghav responded with enthusiasm and provided actionable advice on the skills, certifications, and global perspectives required to build successful careers in this niche field.

In summary, the session went beyond a theoretical discussion to provide a holistic, practice-oriented perspective on mergers and acquisitions. It strengthened industry–academia collaboration, enriched the participants’ understanding of complex corporate transactions, and inspired students to think strategically about their career trajectories. By leveraging alumni expertise and global perspectives, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, once again demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence, professional readiness, and holistic education.