Scholars have been conducting serious research on the human, organizational, and cultural aspects of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for 30 years. Yet, over this period, there have only been modest improvements in the M&A success rate. In this chapter, the author examines corporate combinations,...

This chapter examines recent practices being adopted in the Precombination Phase of a merger or acquisition–a period that typically has not been utilized by leaders to put deals on the track toward success. We begin by briefly reviewing the M&A process and highlighting the success factors and...