Mergers and Acquisitions from A to Z (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Milledge A. Hart (Author) "Over the past decade, we have seen countless examples of companies, such as General Electric, Citigroup and Cisco, that have grown dramatically and built revenues..." (more)
Key Phrases: asset purchase agreement, indemnifying party, franchising program, Indemnified Party, Third Party Claim, Letter Agreement (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"""Mergers & Acquisitions from A to Z is a comprehensive, straightforward, authoritative, and surprisingly reader-friendly how-and-whether-to-do-it handbook on acquiring, selling, and merging companies. It includes everything you need to know. It contains all the questions to ask, the factors to consider in deciding whether and when to buy or sell and how to weigh them, the checklists to create, and the pitfalls to guard against. The absence of unnecessary jargon is as refreshing as the material is enlightening.""

-- Joel L. Fleishman, Professor of Law and Public Policy, Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy,

Duke University

""Mergers & Acquisitions from A to Z is a must-read for every entrepreneur driving a fast-growth company. The authors’ characterization of the latest trends and best practices empower the deal maker with the ability to see around the corner and sidestep disaster.""

-- Richard T. Cole, CEO, Geeks On Call America, Inc.

""As an attorney, there is no better resource for a dealmaker than Andrew Sherman. [He is] a highly rated instructor for our M&A certification program at NYU, [and] his book should be made required reading for every middle-market transaction advisor.""

-- Michael R. Nall, CPA, CM&A,

Founder, Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors

""This book is a treasure trove of very useful information for both buyers and sellers in corporate mergers & acquisitions. [The authors have] kept the pace moving by providing just the right information. It is extremely well written with examples and tools that buyers and sellers can use right out of the box as they firm up their M&A strategies. I highly recommend this book as a key ingredient for any corporate M&A department.""

-- Shiv Krishnan, President & CEO, INDUS Corporation

""Sherman and Hart have done a terrific job assembling and synthesizing the basic, yet critical, issues to be aware of before/during/after the deal. A well-rounded, up-to-date primer filled with pragmatic information that will serve as an excellent reference regardless the reader's M&A experience."" -- Edward J. Hayes, Jr.

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Quantum Corporation

""After reading Andrew's book, it became clear that his insight and processes assist entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses. Andrew's book offers guidance for non-U.S.-based businesses considering mergers and acquisitions in the United States.""

-- Nancye Miller, CEO, the Entrepreneurs' Organization"

Product Description

A concise strategic and legal guide for both buyers and sellers at large and small companies, Mergers and Acquisitions from A to Z is a practical, hands-on resource for anyone involved in any merger or acquisition. Written in clear, jargon-free language, the book provides extensive, easy-to-understand information on the entire transaction, including an overview of tax and accounting considerations, drafting legal documents, and analyzing projected financial gain. Thoroughly revised to reflect the latest changes in the business environment, the new edition features: * The latest trends and best practices for structuring profitable deals * New due diligence rules and strategies in the age of Sarbanes-Oxley * Guidelines for keeping deals on track and managing post-closing challenges * And much more Written for those already involved in M&A deals or considering a move in that direction, Mergers and Acquisitions from A to Z demystifies the entire process.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM; 2nd edition (January 3, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081440880X
• ISBN-13: 978-0814408803
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #47,863 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #11 in	Books > Business & Investing > Economics > Consolidation & Merger
  #50 in	Books > Business & Investing > Finance > Corporate Finance
  #75 in	Books > Business & Investing > Management & Leadership > Strategy & Competition

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Missing a key ingredient - deduct 2 stars, April 12, 2009

By	Mdlle Tarponne (Dubai) - See all my reviews

This book misses a key ingredient in the M&A process. The book does not discuss the engagement process and the engagement letter. This is a serious oversight for a book that claims to be comprehensive. It is like a book on real estate transactions that does not discuss the listing agreement and process.

I would like to see this topic covered from the perspective of buyers, sellers and intermediaries. There should be examples and a detailed discussion of the various sections of engagement letters. There should be some discussion for buyers and sellers on how to make sure the engagement terns are not harmful and there should be some discussion on the terms and conditions intermediaries should insist on. Also, various commission schedules should be discussed.

I would also find it interesting if these authors shared experiences in hunting for deals from the advisors' perspective and selecting advisors from the buyers' and sellers' perspective.

The book is well written and chock full of good information. I just wish it would have started earlier in the process. I rate it three stars. Four, if covered the engagement process and one more if I can find the documents in electronic form online.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful book - worth the price, September 25, 2008

By	A. C. Asher (Bethesda, MD USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book provides a comprehensive view on the mechanics of mergers & acquisitions. It is worth the money.

8 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mergers and Acquisitions from A and Z by Sherman, August 17, 2006

By	Joseph S. Maresca "Dr. Joseph S. Maresca CPA,... (Bronxville, New York USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

The author explains the distinction between a merger combination and the purchasing of assets in an acquisition by the buyer.
Mergers involve considerable restructuring and revaluations
as a condition precedent to success. Classic merger difficulties
involve indecision, tying in loose ends and optimal timing.
Potential sellers seek to build value ; wherein, buyers seek to
acquire and nurture value. Acquisitions involve conceptual
formulation, action planning, overcoming hurdles and offering
memoranda. Due diligence involves an intensive study of the factors driving the deal. These factors involve title, staffing issues, environmental liability, ongoing litigation and
"dressing up the financial statements" in anticipation of the sale. Buyer errors involve poor communications, lack of planning,
inadequate timing and review of the corporate records of the
seller. The acquisition is well worth the price charged for the
significant value of the information contained.