Course Title: Legal Issues in Acquisitions, Takeovers and Mergers

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Legal Issues in Acquisitions, Takeovers and Mergers

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Dr Daniel Hochstrasser

Course Coordinator Phone: -

Course Coordinator Email: daniel.hochstrasser@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 13, Cnr Victoria and Russell Sts, Melbourne

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Assumed Knowledge:

054012 Becoming a Lawyer in a Globalised World

054027 Principles of Company Law


Course Description

This course examines the regulation of takeovers, compulsory acquisitions and corporate reconstructions involving change of control; principal methods of company structuring takeover and corporate reconstructions; the ‘Takeovers Code’: Chapter 6 of the Corporations Act; hostile takeovers; disclosure issues; the Takeovers Panel; ASIC’s role; compulsory acquisition; and mergers and acquisitions.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

-


Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  1. Understand and apply the regulatory framework relating to the operation of Australian mergers and acquisitions and takeovers laws and the roles of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the Takeovers Panel, the Australian Stock Exchange, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Foreign Investment Review Board;

  2. Critically evaluate the issues involved in takeovers and corporate reconstructions;

  3. Analyse and research problems relating to the regulation of mergers, acquisitions and takeovers and make reasoned and appropriate choices amongst alternatives, and;

  4. Understand legal issues relating to mergers, acquisitions and takeovers and prepare appropriate advice accordingly.


Overview of Learning Activities

To achieve the objectives listed above this course requires you to participate in various learning activities. These activities include the following:

  • engaging in legal research, and
  • participating in class discussion


Overview of Learning Resources

Various learning resources are available online through MyRMIT Studies/Canvas. The lecture notes and workshop notes are posted on Canvas.

RMIT Library provides extensive resources, services and study spaces. All RMIT students have access to scholarly resources including course related material, books, e-books, journals and databases.

Computers and printers are available at every Library. You can access the Internet and Library e-resources. You can also access the RMIT University wireless network in the Library.

Contact: Ask the Library for assistance and information on Library resources and services: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library
Study support is available for assistance with assignment preparation, academic writing, information literacy, referencing, maths and study skills.  Additional resources and/or sources to assist your learning will be identified by your course coordinator and will be made available to you as required during the teaching period.


Overview of Assessment

RMIT Graduate School of Business and Law uses assessment to measure and report on your achievement of capabilities against learning outcomes and to provide you with feedback on your performance and progress. In this course, assessment may include case studies, presentations and authentic assignments.

Assessment Task 1: 20%
Linked CLOs: 1,2,4

Assessment Task 2: 40% 
Linked CLOs: 1,2,4

Assessment Task 3: 40%
Linked CLOs: 1,3,4