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Merger Model

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Analyze M&A transactions for EPS impact and synergies.

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Free · Opens the source repo

What Merger Model does

The Merger Model skill provides a structured workflow for analyzing mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions, focusing on the financial implications such as accretion and dilution of earnings per share (EPS). This skill is particularly useful for financial analysts, investment bankers, and corporate finance professionals who need to assess the potential outcomes of a merger or acquisition. By following a systematic approach, users can gather necessary inputs for both the acquirer and the target company, evaluate deal terms, and analyze the financial impact of the transaction.

The skill begins with gathering critical inputs, including the current share prices, earnings per share (EPS), and deal specifics such as offer price and consideration mix. After establishing these parameters, users can perform a purchase price analysis to determine the equity value and enterprise value of the deal. The skill also guides users through the sources and uses of funds in the transaction, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the financial structure.

One of the key features of the Merger Model is its focus on pro forma EPS calculations, allowing users to project the earnings impact over several years. Sensitivity analysis is also included, enabling users to see how changes in assumptions regarding synergies and offer premiums affect the overall financial outcome. Additionally, the model facilitates the calculation of breakeven synergies necessary for maintaining EPS neutrality, providing valuable insights for decision-making.

Finally, the output of the skill includes an Excel workbook with detailed analyses and a one-page summary suitable for pitch books. This comprehensive approach helps professionals prepare for M&A discussions and negotiations, making it an essential tool for anyone involved in the financial aspects of mergers and acquisitions.

When to use it

Use this skill when evaluating a potential acquisition, preparing merger consequences analysis, or advising on deal terms in M&A transactions.

When not to use it

This skill may not be suitable for simple transactions or when detailed financial modeling is not required, as it focuses on comprehensive analysis.

What you can build with it

Evaluating Acquisition Targets

Use the Merger Model to assess potential acquisition targets by analyzing the financial impact of the deal on EPS.

Preparing Pitch Books

Generate detailed merger consequences analyses to include in pitch books for client presentations.

Advising on Deal Terms

Utilize the skill to provide insights into deal terms and their implications for both acquirers and targets.

How to install Merger Model

View source

1. Install with the skills CLI

npx skills add anthropics/financial-services/merger-model --agent claude-code

2. Or install it manually

Download the skill folder and drop it into ~/.claude/skills/ for all projects, or .claude/skills/ to scope it to one repo. Restart Claude Code so it picks up the new skill.

Anthropic's agentic coding CLI, and the reference implementation of Agent Skills. Drop a skill folder into ~/.claude/skills and Claude Code loads it automatically whenever a task matches the skill's description. Claude Code docs

Inside SKILL.md

Written by anthropics

Merger Model

Workflow

Step 1: Gather Inputs

Acquirer:

  • Company name, current share price, shares outstanding
  • LTM and NTM EPS (GAAP and adjusted)
  • P/E multiple
  • Pre-tax cost of debt, tax rate
  • Cash on balance sheet, existing debt

Target:

  • Company name, current share price, shares outstanding (if public)
  • LTM and NTM EPS or net income
  • Enterprise value or equity value

Deal Terms:

  • Offer price per share (or premium to current)
  • Consideration mix: % cash vs. % stock
  • New debt raised to fund cash portion
  • Expected synergies (revenue and cost) and phase-in timeline
  • Transaction fees and financing costs
  • Expected close date

Step 2: Purchase Price Analysis

ItemValue
Offer price per share
Premium to current
Equity value
Plus: net debt assumed
Enterprise value
EV / EBITDA implied
P/E implied

Step 3: Sources & Uses

Sources$Uses$
New debtEquity purchase price
Cash on handRefinance target debt
New equity issuedTransaction fees
Financing fees
TotalTotal

Step 4: Pro Forma EPS (Accretion / Dilution)

Calculate year-by-year (Year 1-3):

StandalonePro FormaAccretion/(Dilution)
Acquirer net income
Target net income
Synergies (after tax)
Foregone interest on cash (after tax)
New debt interest (after tax)
Intangible amortization (after tax)
Pro forma net income
Pro forma shares
Pro forma EPS
Accretion / (Dilution) %

Step 5: Sensitivity Analysis

Accretion/Dilution vs. Synergies and Offer Premium:

$0M syn$25M syn$50M syn$75M syn$100M syn
15% premium
20% premium
25% premium
30% premium

Accretion/Dilution vs. Cash/Stock Mix:

100% cash75/2550/5025/75100% stock
Year 1
Year 2

Step 6: Breakeven Synergies

Calculate the minimum synergies needed for the deal to be EPS-neutral in Year 1.

Step 7: Output

  • Excel workbook with:
    • Assumptions tab
    • Sources & uses
    • Pro forma income statement
    • Accretion/dilution summary
    • Sensitivity tables
    • Breakeven analysis
  • One-page merger consequences summary for pitch book

Important Notes

  • Always show both GAAP and adjusted (cash) EPS where relevant
  • Stock deals: use acquirer's current price for exchange ratio, note dilution from new shares
  • Include purchase price allocation — goodwill and intangible amortization matter for GAAP EPS
  • Synergy phase-in is critical — Year 1 is often only 25-50% of run-rate synergies
  • Don't forget foregone interest income on cash used and new interest expense on debt raised
  • Tax rate on synergies and interest adjustments should match the acquirer's marginal rate

Frequently asked questions about Merger Model

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