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The Notion of Process in Merger and Acquisition Research

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Abstract

In this chapter, we dig into acquisition process(es). A process perspective has been a turning point in the evolution of the M&A field; it has dramatically influenced the way we conceive, research, and manage acquisitions. Our analysis signals the importance of replacing the simplistic and reductionist view of acquisition as a unitary process and with the one that recognizes the multitude of processes that make up the whole acquisition process and places the acquisition within the broader domain of corporate restructuring activities. Acknowledging the single fragments of the process enables a better grasp of the complexity inherent in these deals. Single (sub)processes do overlap one another, have different time horizons, and compete for resources. Acquisition scholars and practitioners need to be cognizant of these dualisms as they influence research and practice.

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  1. Benevento, Italy

    Olimpia Meglio

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Meglio, O. (2020). The Notion of Process in Merger and Acquisition Research. In: Mergers and Acquisitions. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-40459-8_3

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