Acquisitions: Another Viewpoint

Abstract

This article explores and describes two separate aspects of acquisition and merger activity: (1) the attributes of those firms considered for acquisition by major manufacturers, and (2) the changes in operations of acquired firms instituted by acquiring firms. Although the data are restricted to activities among grocery manufacturers, these manufacturers represent some of the most sagacious competitors in the entire consumer goods area. The data were gathered while the author was a staff member of the National Commission on Food Marketing.