mergers and acquisitions

/ˈmɜːrdʒərz ənd ˌækwɪˈzɪʃənz/

Meaning

This phrase refers to the area of corporate finance, management, and strategy dealing with the buying, selling, dividing, and combining of different companies. A merger is the joining of two entities into one, while an acquisition is the purchasing of one company by another. It is often abbreviated as M&A in business settings.

Examples

  • She works in the mergers and acquisitions department of a major investment bank.

    She works in the mergers and acquisitions department of a major investment bank.

  • The tech sector has seen a massive wave of mergers and acquisitions over the past decade.

    The tech sector has seen a massive wave of mergers and acquisitions over the past decade.

  • Our legal team is currently conducting due diligence for a potential mergers and acquisitions deal.

    Our legal team is currently conducting due diligence for a potential mergers and acquisitions deal.

  • Corporate culture clashes are a common reason why mergers and acquisitions fail to deliver value.

    Corporate culture clashes are a common reason why mergers and acquisitions fail to deliver value.

  • He specializes in advising mid-sized firms on mergers and acquisitions strategies.

    He specializes in advising mid-sized firms on mergers and acquisitions strategies.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗ The two companies decided to do a merger and acquisition.

    ✓ The two companies decided on a merger.

    Do not use the full phrase 'mergers and acquisitions' to describe a single transaction between two companies. Use 'merger' (for joining) or 'acquisition' (for buying) individually.

  • ✗ He is an expert in merge and acquire.

    ✓ He is an expert in mergers and acquisitions.

    The standard business noun phrase uses plural nouns ('mergers', 'acquisitions'), not the bare verbs.

Related Expressions

takeover bid due diligence corporate restructuring

Practice

  • The law firm is expanding its ___ practice to handle more corporate takeovers.

    💡 The full business term often abbreviated as M&A.

    Show answer

    mergers and acquisitions

  • Many startups aim to grow quickly to become attractive targets for ___.

    💡 Corporate consolidation activities (plural nouns).

    Show answer

    mergers and acquisitions