This book brings together conceptual and updated empirical material in a systematic way. It provides students with a basis for understanding mergers and acquisitions and corporate restructuring in the framework of strategic planning issues facing managers in all companies, small and large. Features* The authors' extensive scientific, consulting and teaching backgrounds provide an unmatched dimension of reality to the text.* First book to describe the arbitrage activity associated with mergers and acquisitions. Mark Mitchell, our new co-author and a member of the management of a significant merger arbitrage firm, has published articles on the subject in leading journals of financial economics and his work is contributed here.* Explains the merger and acquisition process within a broad framework of companies strategic plans. Contents TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS IN PRACTICE.* The Takeover Process.* The Legal and Regulatory Framework.* Accounting for M