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Merger

A merger in business or economics refers to the combination of two companies into one larger company. Such actions are commonly voluntary and often involve a stock swap. In many instances a merger resembles a takeover but often results in a new company name (often combining the names of the original companies) and in new branding.

Classifications of mergers:

The occurrence of a merger often raises concerns in anti-trust circles. Devices such as the Herfindahl index can analyze the impact of a merger on a market and what, if any, action could prevent it.

A unique type of merger called a reverse merger is used as a way of going public without the expense and time required by an IPO.

Compare mergers and acquisitions.

Famous mergers include:


A merger in Criminal Law characterises situations where one crime subsumes another. See Doctrine of Merger