Merger

Definition

Merger refers to the combination of two or more entities, especially companies, into one.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɜrdʒər/
• Respelling: MUR-jur (with "MUR" as in "murder" and "jur" as in "juror")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɜːdʒə/
• Respelling: MUR-juh (with "MUR" as in "murder" and "juh" as in "sofa")

In both dialects, "merger" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "MUR." The pronunciation differs slightly between American and British English, with "MUR-jur" in American English and "MUR-juh" in British English.

Etymology

The term "merger" is derived from the Latin verb "mergere," meaning "to dip, immerse, or sink," and took on the meaning of "combine" in the context of business and corporate entities.

Derivatives

• Mergerless
• Premerger
• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
• Megamerger
• Demerger

Synonyms

• Amalgamation
• Consolidation
• Unification

Antonyms

• Split
• Separation
• Spin-off

Usage

"Merger" is predominantly used in the business domain to denote the combination of two or more companies into a single entity, usually for strategic or financial benefits.

• The merger of the two leading tech companies created a global powerhouse.
• Regulatory bodies review potential mergers for anti-competitive concerns.

Related Terms

• Acquisition
• Takeover
• Partnership

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Combination into One Entity: The process or result of two or more entities (especially companies) combining to form a single entity.‍
• Example: The merger between the airline companies resulted in the largest carrier in the nation.

• Legal Consolidation: A legal act where one company absorbs the assets and liabilities of another company with which it has merged.‍
• Example: After the legal merger, the acquired company ceased to exist.

• General Union or Fusion: A blending or coming together of different things or ideas.‍
• Example: The novel presents a merger of fantasy and historical facts.