Mergers and acquisitions, known in their most spectacular form as hostile takeover bids or LBOs, are a pivotal factor in the economic war going on today between the countries and the businesses of the world. Baudoin Prot and Michel de Rosen, as financial inspectors, exercise important responsibilities in both banking and business. For this work, they have gathered first-hand studies about mergers and acquisitions in France and all over the world. The essential reference to understanding the key phenomenon of contemporary economy.