The determinants and evaluation of merger success

Many decry the preponderance of merger failures and conclude that mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are failed strategies. However, analysis of the causes of failure has often been shallow and the measures of success weak. The research reported here focuses on what makes a merger successful and what is the appropriate manner of evaluating merger success. Extensive field research of the merger of J.P. Morgan and Chase Manhattan Bank in 2000 is used to illustrate the drivers of merger success and how to improve and value the contributions of mergers.