6 questions reported in Thermo Fisher interviews, organised by the group that asks them. Every question carries a model answer and graded feedback on your own attempt.
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Strategic fit, synergy underwriting, dis-synergies and post-close ownership. 6 questions
Corporate development analysts need this to explain why a deal's accounting profile differs from its cash economics.
After acquiring a business, what is purchase price allocation? Explain goodwill and why the accounting matters to a corporate buyer.
A first-round corporate development question testing whether a candidate understands where analyst work fits in a live acquisition.
Walk me through a corporate acquisition from the first strategic idea to post-close integration. Where does corporate development add value at each stage?
Asked to test whether you understand the role you're applying to.
You've done M&A at a bank. How is corporate development different, and what would you have to do differently?
Corporate buyers frequently acquire divisions rather than whole companies, and the risks differ entirely.
You're buying a division from a larger company rather than a standalone business. What changes in your analysis?
Corp dev interviews probe this because saying no is a large part of the job.
Your CEO is enthusiastic about an acquisition. Your analysis says the price destroys value. How do you handle it?
Tests whether you understand that valuation depends on who is doing the owning.
A banker values a target at $500m. Your internal analysis says $380m. Both are defensible. Why do they differ?
Write your answer, get it graded on technical accuracy, completeness and communication, and see exactly which mechanic you missed.
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