In business, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are transactions in which the ownership of companies, other business organizations, or their operating units are transferred or consolidated. As an aspect of strategic management, M&A can allow enterprises to grow or downsize and change the nature of their business or competitive position.
From a legal point of view, a merger is a legal consolidation of two companies into one. In contrast, an acquisition occurs when one company takes over another company’s stock, equity interests, or assets. From a commercial and economic point of view, both types of transactions generally result in the consolidation of assets and liabilities under one entity. The distinction between a “merger” and an “acquisition” is usually one without a material difference.
In the United States, M&A activity has been on the rise since the early 2000s. In 2018, there were a total of 10,593 mergers and acquisitions announced, with a combined value of $3.9 trillion. This slightly decreased from the previous year, which saw a total of 10,608 deals worth $4.2 trillion.
The largest M&A deal of 2018 was the merger of AT&T and Time Warner, worth $108.7 billion. There are many reasons why companies engage in M&A activity. Some companies may be looking to expand their operations into new markets or to gain access to new technology or products. Others may be looking to increase their market share or diversify their businesses. Still, others may be looking to reduce costs by consolidating operations. Whatever the reasons for M&A activity, it is clear that it can be a complex and risky process.
In order to increase the chances of success, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the goals and objectives of the transaction, as well as the potential risks and challenges. The U.S. government has enacted several laws and regulations that impact M&A activity. These include the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, the Clayton Antitrust Act, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act requires companies to notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) of certain proposed mergers and acquisitions. The notification process gives the FTC and DOJ an opportunity to review the proposed transaction to determine whether it would violate antitrust laws.
The Clayton Antitrust Act prohibits certain types of anti-competitive practices, such as price fixing, tying, and exclusive dealing. The Act also gives the DOJ the authority to bring suit to enjoin proposed mergers and acquisitions that would likely result in a substantial lessening of competition. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires companies to disclose certain information about their business and financial condition to the public. The Act also gives the SEC the authority to bring suit to enjoin proposed mergers and acquisitions that would violate securities laws. In addition to these federal laws, there are also several state laws and regulations that can impact M&A activity. For example, many states have their own antitrust laws that may be more or less restrictive than the federal antitrust laws.
As a result, companies considering an M&A transaction may need to consult with counsel to determine the applicability of state and federal antitrust laws. The federal and state laws and regulations governing M&A activity are complex and ever-changing. As a result, it is vital to seek the advice of experienced legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable laws and to maximize the chances of a successful transaction.
Economists can play a critical role in assisting with Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) by providing valuable economic and financial analysis. Here are some ways in which an economist can help with M&A transactions:
In summary, economists can provide valuable assistance with Mergers and Acquisitions by conducting due diligence, valuation analysis, synergy analysis, financial modeling, antitrust analysis, regulatory analysis, and negotiation support, to assess the financial health and viability of the target company or companies, estimate their value, analyze potential synergies, assess regulatory and antitrust implications, and support the negotiation process.