Corporate
FDD Associate Capstone
Delivery:~4.5 Days
Experience Level: Emerging M&A Pros
“This was a great learning experience and one that I highly recommend keeping in the FDD training curriculum. Being less in the weeds of the data allowed me to think more broadly about what is actually happening.”-Big 4 FDD Associate
What I Will Learn
- Learn the FDD process soup to nuts by working on a “live” deal in teams
- Work through a virtual data room
- Lead diligence sessions with the Target management
- Conduct financial analysis
- Produce a client deliverable
- Present their findings to the client in a 30-minute read-out call
About the Course
Elevate your understanding and thinking by assuming responsibilities beyond your day-to-day role through a real deal simulation, where participants lead and execute a buy side financial due diligence (FDD) engagement.
It is recommended participants have at least 6 – 12 months of FDD deal experience.
Course Curriculum
Review of Key Topics from FDD Bootcamp*
*Note: While the FDD Associate Capstone is designed for participants to have first taken the FDD Bootcamp course, it is not required. Depending on background and experience level, PE Primer may suggest some additional pre-work prior to the course.
- Pre-work: Review Preliminary Data Package (CIM, LOI, and related documents) Using Active Reading and Active Notetaking Skills
- Acme Case Study Foundational Questions©
- Spin Up Deal in Teams of 4 – 6 Participants
- Initial Data Package Review
- Complete & Discuss Foundational Questions©
- Scope Review
- Internal Team Kick-off Call
- Prepare, Update, & Manage IRL
- Prepare Client and Target Meeting Agendas and Email Correspondence
- Manage the Data Room & Data Requests
- Trial Balance Analysis
- Customer Transaction Level Database Analysis
- Identifying EBITDA and NWC Adjustments
- Identifying Debt & Debt-Like Items
- Price, Volume, Mix Analysis
- Preparing the Databook & PowerPoint Slides
- Write Up Adjustments and Key Findings
- Leading Multiple Management Meetings / Calls
- Simulated Client Communications
- Simulated Director Check-ins
- Present Findings in a Client Read Out Call
- Real Time Feedback
M&A Professions
- Financial Due Diligence

It starts with a conversation
Benefits Obtained :
- See the whole process
- Learn to anticipate client requests
- Lead Management Visits