Overall, merger and acquisition activity has been relatively slow in recent years. However, firms are still trying to find ways to defend their position (GM, Hewitt) and other firms are attempting to creatively extract new value through their transactions (Exxon, a-B/InBev, Vedanta). As long as there are shifting environmental considerations and new opportunities to exploit, firms will continue to seek out merger and acquisition activities.

Works Cited:

McClure, B. (2010). Mergers and acquisitions. Investopedia. Retrieved March 14, 2010 from http://www.investopedia.com/university/mergers/default.asp

Espinoza, J. (2009). Merger pays off for AB InBev. Forbes. Retrieved March 14, 2010 from http://www.forbes.com/2009/03/05/inbev-quarter-profits-markets-equity_drinks.html

Daily, M. & Driver,...

(2009). Exxon Mobil to buy XTO Energy in big U.S. gas bet. Reuters. Retrieved March 14, 2010 from http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BD28G20091214
Reuters. (2010). Vedanta eyes aluminum unit spinoff. The Economic Times. Retrieved March 14, 2010 from http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international-business/Vedanta-eyes-aluminium-unit-spin-off-Report/articleshow/5683287.cms

Maynard, M. & Sanger, D. (2009). U.S. expected to own 70% of restructured GM. New York Times. Retrieved March 14, 2010 from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/business/27auto.html?_r=1

Business Wire. (2010). Hewitt Associates announces partial spin-off of its executive compensation consulting business in North America. BNet. Retrieved March 14, 2010 from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_20100201/ai_n48861517/