THE SIZE, SCOPE OF IMPACT, AND GROWING FREQUENCY of M & A transactions, combined with the high failure rate are strong motives for today’s business leaders to gain a better understanding of these transactions.

Today’s leaders and corporate boards need to understand when a merger or acquisition is appropriate and under what circumstances they are likely to be successful in achieving their goals and to increase shareholder value.

But, beyond shareholder value it’s important that leaders understand the risks and the effort required to achieve the potential that these transactions represent.

Finally understanding these transactions in today’s environment is necessary as you never know when you might be looking for potential targets or if/when your organization is in fact becoming the target.