This document discusses mergers and acquisitions (M&A), which are strategies for accelerating business growth. M&As involve combining two companies and can take the form of mergers, where companies are dissolved and a new entity is formed, or acquisitions, where one company buys another. Reasons for M&As include achieving synergies, acquiring new technology, improving profitability, and entering new markets. The document outlines different types of mergers and acquisitions as well as reasons why M&As may fail, such as overpaying or difficulties integrating cultures. Several examples of large M&A deals are also provided.