Purpose – This paper aims to illustrates the use of the modern Graham and Dodd valuation methodology as a corporate M&A tool by way of case study. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a case study of the 1995 Berkshire Hathaway acquisition of GEICO and draws on previously...

Purpose – This paper introduces the base‐case‐valuation pattern, which is derived from the modern Graham and Dodd valuation methodology, and it demonstrates how that pattern could be utilized in M&A by way of a case study. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a case study of...

Purpose – This paper aims to acquaint managers with a little known mergers and acquisitions (M&A) diagnostic tool that made its debut in the book Deals from Hell – M&A Lessons that Rise Above the Ashes (NY: Wiley, 2005) by Robert Bruner. Design/methodology/approach – This paper offers a...

Purpose – This paper aims to illustrate the viability of distressed mergers and acquisitions (M&A) by way of case study utilizing the modern Graham and Dodd valuation approach. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a distressed acquisition case study of the 1996 Marvel...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the value and risks of Disney's 2009 $4 billion acquisition of the Marvel Entertainment Group (Marvel) in a case study utilizing the modern Graham and Dodd valuation approach. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a detailed...

Purpose – This paper seeks to propose a definition of strategic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) that is illustrated by way of case study. It also aims to introduce the strategic concept of “nascent franchise.” Design/methodology/approach – The proposed definition is based on existing...