Smart Radiators Acquisition: Bain-Style M&A Case Interview
Smart Radiators Acquisition is a medium-difficulty Bain-style M&A case interview with 7 interviewer questions and 2 exhibits; candidates finish it in a median 19 minutes. Your first full case is free with an account: run it out loud with an AI interviewer or step by step.
| Case type | M&A |
|---|---|
| Industry | Consumer Electronics / Heating |
| Firm style | Bain |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Interviewer questions | 7: context, clarifying, structure, 2 analysis, math, synthesis |
| Math questions | 1 |
| Exhibits | 2 |
| Modes | Voice and guided |
| Completed runs | 14 |
| Median time | 19 minutes |
| Source | Adapted from the Wharton consulting club casebook |
Runs, times and ratings are from Road to Offer practice data as of 6 November 2026.
The case
Radiator Co. wants to acquire a European smart radiator valve startup to add wireless control to its radiators. Which startup should it buy, and what is a fair deal value?
The European division is based in Germany with about 1,800 employees and $50M revenue. Competitors have started offering wireless control. The acquisition price equals firm value plus synergies.
The interviewer's first question
Summarize the client situation and the decision we need to support.
Exhibits you will read
- Exhibit A: Shortlisted Startup Characteristics
- Exhibit B: Deal Value Inputs
What this case tests
One math step, two exhibits and two analysis questions: this case weighs business judgment above calculation.