UPV College Team Excels in M&A Challenge

The UPV College of Management (CM) team earned a spot among the top six finalists in the 9th Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Challenge, standing out among 104 teams nationwide.

This achievement reflects the team’s dedication and innovative approach to solving complex M&A cases.

The team consisted of fourth-year BS Accountancy students Sara Shane Labrador, Kyla Anna Marie Sabtal, Noriel Alyanna Sandigan, and Honey Mabelle Villarba, under the guidance of adviser Ms. Rowelle Serilo, a faculty member of the Department of Accounting.

The Mergers and Acquisitions Challenge, an annual case study competition organized by PwC Philippines, offers undergraduate students a dynamic platform to gain practical skills, deepen their understanding of the Philippine M&A process, and engage with real-world business scenarios.

This year’s competition focused on a hypothetical client in the banking industry seeking potential target companies to enhance its operations through emerging technologies. The client aimed to invest in or partner with tech-driven companies to strengthen its competitive edge.

Participants were tasked with crafting strategies to help the client integrate technology into its operations effectively.

The final round, held on January 21, 2025, at AIA Tower in Paseo de Roxas, Makati City, required the six finalist teams to present a comprehensive case report. Their presentations included a business and industry analysis, financial evaluation, valuation assessment, and sentiment analysis.

The presentations were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges comprising PwC Philippines partners, industry leaders, and successful entrepreneurs.

The UPV College of Management team’s outstanding performance in the competition highlighted their strategic thinking, teamwork, and ability to address real-world business challenges.