ACG University

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ACG University: Building the Next Generation of Dealmakers

ACG University is Greater Philadelphia’s premier networking and educational program for emerging M&A professionals. Each year, the program enrolls 40 up-and-coming dealmakers with 3-6 years of experience, offering a comprehensive 7-session course on the full deal lifecycle—from sourcing to exits.

Program Goals

• Develop essential deal-making skills through lectures, case studies, and expert panels.
• Foster lasting networks among future M&A leaders, including private equity and strategic buyers, investment bankers, attorneys, accountants, and lenders.
• Connect participants to the ACG and broader deal community through membership (included), with graduates joining ACG Philadelphia Young Dealmakers.

• Eligibility: Open to dealmakers living and working in Greater Philadelphia. Candidates must be sponsored by an ACG member.
• Selection: Based on experience, commitment, and the applicant pool’s composition.
• Applications: Open in August 2025.

2027 Class Schedule:

ACGU takes place on 7 Friday mornings from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM between late January and May 2027. 

Class 1 - January 29, 2027

Class 2 - February 5, 2027

Class 3 - February 19, 2027

Class 4 - March 5, 2027

Class 5/6/7 - Coming Soon!

For inquiries, email acgphiladelphia@acg.org. Space is limited—don’t miss this opportunity to advance your career!

Applicant Guidance by Role

• Accountants: 3-4 years of Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) experience or M&A Tax experience. M&A Tax is often outside the TAS umbrella.
• Attorneys: 4-6 years of diverse deal experience with a growing legal skill set. Typically not yet at the partner or counsel level.
• Investment Bankers:
  • For career changers: 2 years of M&A experience required.
  • For those starting directly in banking: 2-3 years of experience, with references from senior colleagues
• Other Professionals: 4-6 years of work regularly touching M&A is preferred. Candidates with more extensive experience in M&A may be overqualified for this program.

Program Pricing

• Tuition: $1,495 per accepted applicant, covering seven classes, networking events, and a one-year ACG membership.
• Payment is due upon acceptance; no application fee is required.

Cancellation and Attendance Policies

• Enrollment: Tuition is non-refundable and includes program participation and ACG membership for the admitted year.
• Firm Transfers:
  • If a student moves firms before the program starts and paid their own tuition, they may continue as planned.
  • If the firm paid and the original student cannot attend, the firm may nominate a replacement (subject to review). Changes are not allowed after classes begin.
• Attendance:
  • Participants are expected to attend all seven sessions, with allowance for one absence due to deal demands.
  • Students will collaborate in cross-functional teams for case studies, learning from senior dealmakers.

Program Highlights

• Earn Pennsylvania CPE and CLE credits (documentation provided upon completion).
• Runs annually from January to April.
• Highly rated for practical education and invaluable networking.
• Alumni often continue to leadership roles within ACG, including on the Board of Directors and committees.

 

Learn More: 

View Past Class Attendees on our Alumni Page.
 

Thank you to our ACG University Sponsors

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