mergers and acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) refer to the processes by which companies combine or one company purchases another. A **merger** occurs when two or more firms join together to form a single new entity, often to achieve strategic, financial, or operational synergies. An **acquisition** happens when one company buys a controlling interest in another, effectively taking ownership and control. M&A activities are typically undertaken to increase market share, expand into new markets, gain efficiencies, or enhance competitive advantage.