Corporate Strategy: Mergers & Acquisitions

This lecture delves into the world of corporate strategy, focusing on mergers and acquisitions as key components. It covers the motivations behind M&A activities, such as diversification, market power, cost reduction, and industry consolidation. The session also explores the challenges associated with M&A, including integration difficulties, value destruction, and strategic decision-making. Through case studies like Pixar and Disney, the lecture highlights successful alliances and the importance of complementary capabilities. Additionally, it discusses the risks and management approaches involved in strategic alliances, emphasizing the need for clear contracts, trust-building, and reputation monitoring.