merger
two companies combining into one
In more detail
1. (noun) when two or more companies join together to become one company
2. (noun) the joining together of two or more things into one
Examples
- 1. The merger between the two banks created the largest financial institution in the country.
- 2. The merger of different musical styles created a unique sound.
How to use merger
Merger is commonly used in business and financial contexts to describe the joining of two companies, though it can also apply more broadly to any combination of separate entities. It is more neutral than some alternatives and is the standard term used in corporate announcements and legal documents. The term does not inherently suggest whether the combination was voluntary or forced, though "hostile merger" specifies an unwanted takeover.
Common phrases
- merger agreement
- merger talks
- hostile merger
- proposed merger
- complete a merger
- merger between
Synonyms
combination · consolidation · union · integration · amalgamation
Opposites
split · separation · division
Word family
merge (verb) · merged (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse merger with acquisition; a merger typically involves two relatively equal companies combining, while an acquisition involves one company buying another, though usage is often loose in real-world contexts.
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