Mergers and Acquistionsdefines the relationship between enterprise strategy and merger and acquisition initiatives. By working through this book readers will gain an understanding of what is required to successfully complete a merger or acquisition, and the pitfalls that can derail the process. Sources of potential acquisition and merger candidates will be identified. The roles of outside organizations such as investment banking firms, business brokers, legal and accounting firms, and the general business network will be examined.The steps of a merger and acquisition process are explained in detail and practiced using relevant, industry-specific case studies. These case studies demonstrate the importance of developing an assimilation plan before the deal is closed. The role that managers from the acquired firm play in developing the assimilation plan is explained.The book will:* Explain the importance of clearly articulating the enterprise strategy before embarking on merger or acquisition activity* Demonstrate how to gain alignment on management expectations about mergers and acquisitions* Describe how to establish a process for evaluating potential merger and acquisition candidates* Illustrate how to screen potential merger and acquisition candidates* Explain how to complete a financial evaluation of merger and acquisition candidates* Discuss estimation techniques useful in the valuation of merger and acquisition candidates* Demonstrate how to conduct due diligence* Explain how to develop and implement an assimilation plan to guide post-merger integration activities.