Mastering Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) in investment banking requires a deep understanding of financial theory, valuation techniques, and, critically, real-world execution. The best case study books blend technical expertise with captivating narratives, offering aspiring and current bankers a look into the high-stakes world of deal-making. They don’t just teach the formulas; they teach the strategy, the politics, and the pitfalls of massive corporate transactions.

1. The Technical Cornerstone: Valuation and Modeling

To truly understand an M&A deal, you must first master the mechanics of valuing a company. These books provide the essential technical foundation, often integrating practical case studies and templates.

• Investment Banking: Valuation, Leveraged Buyouts, and Mergers & Acquisitions by Joshua Rosenbaum and Joshua Pearl: Often called “The Investment Banking Bible,” this text is a rigorous, practical guide to the core financial methodologies used on Wall Street. It offers a clear breakdown of Comparable Company Analysis (CCA)