This report is based on a survey of 86 mergers and acquisitions executives that The Conference Board conducted during late 2005 and early 2006. The number of mergers or acquisitions carried out by respondents over the past 10 years ranged from 1 to 10 (45 percent) to 41 or more (19 percent). Many of the respondents also participated in follow-up interviews or provided case examples. In addition to a review of relevant secondary sources, the report also draws on knowledge shared by merger specialists during two webinars in 2005.

Topics Covered

• Key Findings
• Taking Stock before Taking Action
• Rating the Effectiveness of Current M&A Practices
• Looking into the Future

Special Features:

• Case Study: Dow Chemical
• Case Study: Xerox