Synopsis In a dramatically altered business context that crosses country boundaries and cultures as shown by Lakshmi Mittals takeover of Arcelor, organizations need to understand the nuances of expansion through mergers and acquisitions. It is imperative to learn about strategy formulation and activity pertaining to mergers and acquisitions. Volume I of this four-part series deals with the basic tools and techniques useful to managers as well as how to maximize organization value, and theories and different forms of mergers. Volume II of this series discusses methods of valuation of firms as well as takeover defenses. Volume III addresses issues such as raising capital for acquisitions, through leveraged buy-outs. It discusses ESOPs and MLPs as well as buying back of shares and exchange offers, sell-offs and divestitures and joint-ventures. The fourth and final volume delves into issues regarding international mergers and acquisitions. This volume also provides a management guide for merger and acquisition activity complete with takeover models, modalities of payment-tax implications and details of regulatory control of mergers and acquisitions.