Mergers and Acquisitions from A to Z: Strategic and Practical Guidance for Small- And Middle-Market Buyers and Sellers

by Andrew J. Sherman

This practical guide to the mergers and acquisitions market is designed for the buyers and sellers of companies, and their advisors and associates. The entire spectrum of the M&A transaction, from analyzing projected financial gain to structuring documentation, is covered. Written for those already involved in M&A deals or for those considering a move in that direction, this work covers the mechanics of the deal from start to finish. It also: provides an overview of tax and accounting considerations; covers the competing objectives and viewpoints of buyer and seller; and explains how to draft definitive legal documents.

Genres: Business, Finance, Nonfiction, Law, Economics

272 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1998

About the author

ANDREW J. SHERMAN is a partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Jones Day and an internationally recognized authority on the legal and strategic issues of emerging and established companies. A top-rated adjunct professor in the MBA and Executive MBA programs at the University of Maryland and Georgetown University Law School, he is the author of Raising Capital, Harvesting Intangible Assets, Franchising and Licensing, and Mergers & Acquisitions from A to Z.

Reviews

[Gil Bradshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to give this book five stars, but I don't think this book is for everyone. Seriously Goodreads friends, this isn't the kind of book you should go out and buy, like "Shoe Dog." This book gives a broad overview to the steps of M&A and gives the reader an understanding of the vocabulary. If I were a first or second-year associate attorney and had to go into the M&A department, I would definitely buy this book. And read it in a coffee shop. While drinking a lot of coffee. It's a bit of a slog.

The reason I am rating it so high is because there just isn't much out there on this topic. So I appreciate this book's existence. It fills a niche.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

As if a seasoned lawyer sat me down and walked me through the art and science behind one of the most complex commercial transactions- M&A. Gives you a taste of the laws, ethics, finances, politics, human egos that are interwoven into the very fabric of such deals.

[Billy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who works on deals, there are more creative ways for deals to be structured. Profit-share of 50/50 till Party A breakevens then it'd be a 30/70 split - this is for shareholders who places capital at the forefront (rather than passive returns).

Mainly focused on the US market with the respective rules and regulations.

[Denny Troncoso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very information and detailed book on Mergers and Acquisitions. If you have any interest in the topic this is a book to read. The offer knows the subject very well. He provided very detailed actions when conducting an acquisition of a business.

[William Schrecengost · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, extensive study on mergers and acquisitions

[Roo Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A really good overview of M&A. Seemed like the right amount of detail. A good resource to refer to as needed.

[AnhDuc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much interesting information, quite a basic overview of M&A

[Michał Węgrzyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boring yet essential

[M U- · Rating 4 out of 5]

Older book on M/A written in late 90s. Still mostly up to date on the topic.

[Adi Gullia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great guide for anyone interested in learning the basics of M&A and what goes into the acquisition of a company.

[Titan Mellor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book does a good job at outlining all the logistics of the process but it is not a good book when referring to the philosophy and mindset for this type of entrepreneurship.

[a · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also great for understanding due diligence on companies one might want to work for

[Ricky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard read, chapter 13 should be read at the very least, even if the whole idea of lawyer jargon scares you.

Lots of how to create forms, and dealing with litigations

How lawyers think, nothing like the show Suits :(

[Sergey Dudko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Key M&A rationale: brand equity, new customers, marketing, profit, share price, talent, new markets, channels, new producst.

Reasons for deal failure: lack of fiancial statements at the seller side, non cooperative target management, due diligenec uncovered deal breakers, shift in the M&A strategy of the potential buyer (e.g., due to change in management), lack of seller's flexbility in price.

Post-acquisition failure happens mainly due to lack on effective communication and lack of the realistic integration / value creation plan.

Employees disengagement trend in the U.S. is an imppartant issue for the buyer during the due diligence process.