What is the difference between a merger and an acquisition ?

Question

What is the difference between a merger and an acquisition ?

Answer 1

A merger is when stockholders from both corporations agree to the consolidation. An acquisition is when one group doesn't agree but the other company purchases enough stock to have 51% ownership. Mergers are usually done for market share while an acquisition is done to obtain a subsidiary or specialty that someone can buy easier than produce in house.

Answer 2

Acquisition is when one company buys another company and becomes the owner of that company.  Merger is when two companies agrees to become one company.