C1noun3K

Merger

UK /["/ˈmɜːdʒə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈmɜːrdʒər/"]/

Definition

the act of joining two or more organizations or businesses into one

In simple words: When two companies combine to become one.

Examples

  • If the merger goes through, thousands of jobs will be lost.
  • a merger between the two banks
  • our proposed merger with the university
  • There are local companies ripe for merger or acquisition.
  • There has been a flurry of corporate mergers and acquisitions.
  • They completed a merger with Monsanto.
  • They threatened legal action to block the merger.

Usage notes

Use 'merger' in business contexts. It’s appropriate in neutral discussions about company strategies but might seem overly formal in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

merger + of + companies

Memory hint

Think of 'merge' - two rivers coming together to form one big stream.

Collocations

  • planned
  • possible
  • potential
  • plan
  • agree
  • agree to
  • go through
  • happen
  • take place
  • activity
  • plan
  • proposal
  • merger between
  • merger with

Synonyms

  • consolidation
  • union
  • fusion
  • amalgamation

Antonyms

  • separation
  • division

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'merger' with 'acquisition' (merger is a combination, acquisition is one company taking over another).
  • Using 'merger' to refer to unrelated entities (it specifically applies to businesses).