M&A

American  

abbreviation

Finance, Business.

1. mergers and acquisitions: the practice of incorporating parts (or all) of another enterprise, either by combining two or more companies into one or by purchasing some or all of another company's assets, as a way of strategically enhancing or growing a business.

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Etymology

Origin of M&A

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

“The M&A market is focused on the long-term fundamentals: right deal, right price and right strategic rationale.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

“We have long thought about the combination, and will bring to it lessons learned from our own M&A journey.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Additional stress is generated by the recent uptick in M&A activity, which has led to higher new bond issuance, just as rising public deficits suggest increased sovereign-bond supply.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

This deal would strengthen McCormick’s condiments and flavorings portfolio while expanding its North American retail and distribution footprint, said Alex Torgerson, M&A partner at consulting firm West Monroe.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

The total dollar value of announced global M&A for this year’s first quarter is up 34% year over year, to $996 billion, according to London Stock Exchange Group.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026