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The Global Insight

In what way merger are different with consolidation?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on February 28, 2026

For a merger to happen, two or more companies come together and combine forces where the company taking over is left as the existing entity. Consolidation, on the other hand, takes place when different ventures come together, combine forces, and join into one completely new venture.

What are mergers why companies merge motivations behind mergers?

A merger can be motivated by a desire to acquire certain assets that cannot be obtained using other methods. In M&A transactions, it is quite common that some companies arrange mergers to gain access to assets that are unique or to assets that usually take a long time to develop internally.

What are the benefits of a merger?

Advantages of a Merger

  • Increases market share. When companies merge, the new company gains a larger market share and gets ahead in the competition.
  • Reduces the cost of operations.
  • Avoids replication.
  • Expands business into new geographic areas.
  • Prevents closure of an unprofitable business.

    Is there a new wave of industry consolidation?

    It seems out of place, then, that new research from A.T. Kearney predicts that we are on the verge of unprecedented merger and consolidation activity in some of the biggest industries in the world. This article describes our research and suggests strategies for success in this new wave of merger activity.

    Are there mergers and acquisitions in the industry?

    Mergers and acquisitions rarely make the headlines anymore, and industry consolidation seems to have faded from many CEOs’ playbooks. It seems out of place, then, that new research from A.T. Kearney predicts that we are on the verge of unprecedented merger and consolidation activity in some of the biggest industries in the world.

    How did covid-19 affect the investment management industry?

    Industry impact from COVID-19 varied widely, with investment management as a whole sustaining less damage than some other sectors of the economy. Revenues for investment management firms remained largely intact, but the people, the operations, and the technology used by investment managers were impacted.

    Why do companies consolidate in order to diversify?

    However, the two terms are often used interchangeably. Consolidation is a major trend in many industries, and the main reason why companies consolidate is to improve investment returns through cost cutting and productivity gains. Sometimes, even companies that have nothing in common come together in order to diversify.