Covers the theory and practice of mergers and acquisitions. Topics include: valuation techniques and their applications; Economic forces and timing of merger activity; motives for mergers and acquisitions; market for corporate control; valuing synergies; valuing (target) firms for takeover; accounting for mergers; practical issues in mergers and acquisitions; hostile takeovers; forms of payment; M&A strategies; the role of the board of directors; best practices; empirical tests and stock market evidence of the benefits of mergers and acquisitions.