What are the differences between a merger and an acquisition?

Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) refer to the consolidation of two organizations to form a larger entity, with the aim of achieving greater market share, improving resources, and expanding operations. The primary difference between a merger and an acquisition is who stays in control of the newly formed entity. When companies merge, both companies retain their autonomy while joining together. This means that they both maintain their management teams and brand identities. On the other hand, when one company acquires another, it takes over the management team and brand and the acquired company becomes a subsidiary of the acquiring company. In addition, the motivations for the two processes are different. Mergers are usually driven by the desire to realize synergies between two sides, such as cost savings, greater market share, or improved revenue generation, while acquisitions are usually motivated by one company’s desire for greater control of the new entity. Thus, one company may purchase another for its products, customer base, technology, or resources. When it comes to the legal implications of these processes, M&As in Wisconsin are subject to the state’s corporation law, as well as anti-trust laws. Parties entering into an M&A transaction must ensure that the merger or acquisition complies with applicable state and federal laws. In addition, the two parties may also need to enter into a variety of agreements, such as confidentiality, non-disclosure, and non-compete agreements. With the help of experienced counsel, the parties can ensure that their merger or acquisition is completed in a legal and cost-efficient manner.

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