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Why Do Businesses Merge or Acquire Other Businesses? 

There are many reasons why businesses choose to merge or acquire other businesses. Some reasons include: 

  • increase market share
  • enter new markets
  • diversify
  • tax purposes
  • increase shareholder value
  • increase economies of scale
  • gain access to new technology
  • remove a competitor

Business owners must carefully consider all of these factors before deciding to merge or acquire another company. The decision can be a complex one, but oftentimes the benefits of merging or acquiring another business outweigh the risks.

8 Reasons Why Businesses Merge or Acquire Other Businesses

close up of a handshake confirming a merger or acquisition.

1. Increase market share 

When two companies that compete in the same industry merge, they can eliminate duplicative costs and become more efficient. The combined company will also have a larger share of the market, which can be used to negotiate better terms with suppliers, among other things. 

Increased market share can be a key driver of business growth. By acquiring or merging with another company, executives can quickly and significantly increase their company’s share of the overall market. This can lead to increased sales and profits, as well as improved brand recognition and market position. However, it is important to carefully consider all aspects of such a transaction before proceeding, as there are risks involved. These include the potential for antitrust issues, as well as the need to ensure that all regulatory requirements are met.

2. Enter new markets 

A company that wants to enter a new market may choose to acquire a company that already has a presence in that market. This can be quicker and less expensive than starting from scratch. 

While this can be an effective strategy, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits before proceeding.

There are a number of risks associated with acquiring or merging with another company, including the potential for regulatory hurdles, cultural differences, and financial instability. It is important to carefully consider these risks before proceeding.

Additionally, there are a number of benefits that can be gained from acquiring or merging with another company, including the ability to enter into new markets, access to new technology and resources, and economies of scale.

3. Diversify 

A company that wants to diversify its product offerings or geographical markets may acquire a company that offers complementary products or services. This can be a risky proposition, as the failure to successfully integrate the two businesses can lead to significant losses. However, when done correctly, an acquisition or merger can be a great way to quickly expand a company’s reach and increase its market share.

4. Tax purposes 

In some cases, it may be advantageous for a company to acquire another company in order to take advantage of different tax laws. Business owners should be aware of the potential tax implications of these transactions.

When acquiring another company, you may be able to deduct the purchase price as a business expense. However, the IRS will closely scrutinize the transaction to ensure that it is truly a business acquisition and not a disguised personal purchase.

If you are merging your company with another, the tax consequences will depend on the structure of the merger. A “merger of equals” is generally treated as a sale of the assets of each company, while a “stock for stock” merger is treated as a purchase of the stock of the other company.

5. Increase shareholder value 

Shareholders may pressure management to pursue a merger or acquisition in order to increase the value of their investment. Management may also believe that a merger or acquisition is the best way to grow the business and increase shareholder value. 

6. Increase economies of scale 

When two companies combine, they may be able to achieve economies of scale, which occurs when average costs go down as production increases. This can happen if the companies combine their operations so that they can utilize existing capacity more efficiently. 

7. Gain access to new technology 

In today’s business world, executives are always looking for ways to gain an edge on the competition. One way to do this is by acquiring or merging with another company in order to gain access to new technology.

There are a few things to keep in mind when pursuing this strategy. First, it is important to make sure that the technology you are interested in is actually proprietary and not widely available. Otherwise, you may end up paying a premium for something that is not truly unique.

Second, it is important to do your due diligence on the company you are considering acquiring or merging with. Make sure to understand their financial situation and whether or not the deal makes sense for your company.

Lastly, remember that this is a major decision and should not be made lightly. Be sure to consult with your team of advisors before moving forward.

8. Remove a competitor 

Acquiring or merging with a competitor can be an effective way to remove them from the market and consolidate your position. However, there are a number of antitrust and regulatory issues to consider before taking such action. Executives should work closely with their legal counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.

Executives must carefully consider all of the reasons for merging or acquiring another company before making a decision. The benefits of merging or acquiring another business often times outweigh the risks. The key is to do your due diligence and make sure that you are getting into a good deal.

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Shahara works with privately held buyers and sellers in all aspects of M & A transactions including Stock and Asset purchases, Joint ventures, Strategic Alliances, and Mergers.  Click here to learn more about how The Wright Firm can represent your business in the merger or acquisition process, click here.

This article provides general information.
This article does not provide legal advice about specific legal problems.
Consult an attorney about your particular situation.

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