代写ESSAY IN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS II PROJECT TOPIC II Corporate Development Through Mergers and Acquisiti

ESSAY IN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS II

Due date: 9th / January / 2026.

Word limit: Strictly 3000 words +10%

PROJECT TOPIC II

Corporate Development Through Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are a primary tool for corporate development, enabling firms to achieve rapid growth, enter new markets, and acquire strategic capabilities. However, the success of M&A as a growth strategy is far from guaranteed.

This project requires you to conduct an in-depth investigation into the role ofM&A in fostering firm growth. You will first synthesise academic literature to build a theoretical framework that explains the mechanisms through which M&As can drive corporate development. You will ground this theory in an empirical investigation of three to five publicly listed firms, using historical financial and market data to analyse the growth impact of their acquisition strategies. The analysis must be supported by clear visual evidence, such as time-series charts and data graphs. You will conclude the project with the formulation of a  ‘growth recipe,   -   a set of actionable, evidence-based recommendations for firms seeking to grow successfully through M&A. Your project must successfully integrate the following four components:

1.   Review the empirical economic, finance and management literature to establish the prevalence of mergers and acquisitions as a corporate growth strategy.

2.   Synthesise findings from the economic literature to construct a satisfactory theoretical framework to explain how M&As contribute to corporate growth. The framework must explain four key elements:

• Motivations: The primary strategic drivers for M&A, such as achieving synergies, gaining market power, diversification, or acquiring new technologies.

• Channels of Growth: The specific mechanisms through which M&A

contributes to firm growth, including market expansion, technological integration, and operational efficiencies.

• Causes of Failure: The critical factors and common pitfalls that can lead to the failure of M&A initiatives.

• Essential Capabilities: The organisational capabilities - such as in-house expertise - that are vital for successfully using M&A as a growth strategy.

3.   Select at least three to five publicly traded firms with a history of growth through acquisition. Gather a minimum of 15-20 years of historical data for them from databases like Compustat or Capital IQ. You may choose firms from the same or different industries. Your core task is to support the theoretical framework and analyse the effect of their M&A activities on their growth, using data visualisations such as time-series charts to evidence your findings.

4.   Based on your theoretical framework and empirical analysis, synthesise your findings to propose a ‘growth recipe’. The recipe should outline a set of insights or best practices firms can follow to successfully use M&A as a tool for sustainable growth.  Your  recommendations must be directly supported by the evidence presented in your analysis.

Several notes, short videos, and papers will be posted on the course webpage to guide you through your research, data collection and exploratory data analysis and help you develop a well-integrated analysis. One note will specify the marking guidelines in detail. Follow the guidelines to carefully organise the assignment.

Assessment Criteria

Your project will be assessed on the following criteria:

Understanding and Application of Theory (30%): The quality of your literature review and the clarity and coherence of the theoretical framework you develop.

Data Analysis and Interpretation (40%): The quality of your data collection, the effectiveness and clarity of your data visualisations, and the depth of your analysis linking M&A activity to firm performance.

Critical Evaluation and Recommendations and use of course materials, concepts and language (20%): The strength of your arguments, your ability to critically evaluate the firms' strategies, and the coherence and practicality of your concluding ‘growth recipe’ .

Structure, Clarity, and Presentation (10%): The logical structure of the report, clarity of writing, professional presentation of charts, and correct use of academic referencing.

Final Project must be submitted to Canvas online by 2:00 PM on Friday, January 9, 2026. Marks and comments will be released online via Canvas.