Assignment Topic:

THIS ASSIGNMENT REQUIRES STUDENTS TO EXPLAIN THE MAIN TYPES OF MERGERS, AS WELL AS THE BENEFITS OF THIS BUSINESS STRATEGY.
STUDENTS ARE ALSO ASKED TO ANALYSE TWO RECENT CASE-STUDIES OF COMPANIES UNDERGOING A MERGER.

QUESTION 1:

a) Define and discuss 3 types of mergers. (6 marks)

b) Discuss any 4 benefits to shareholders/owners from a merger. (4 marks)

QUESTION 2:

Analyse any 2 recent (last 10 years) examples of company mergers. These two examples need to be from 2 different business sectors. For example, merger example 1:
between two agribusiness companies; and merger example 2: between
two financial services companies, or between 2 mining companies etc.

Each example of company mergers is worth 10 marks, ie,  merger examples

= 20 marks.

Students should explain the nature of each firm/industry sector for 4 marks out of 10; and explain any 3 costs and/or benefits from each merger for 6 marks out of 10.

General Requirements:

Develop logical and coherent responses to the issues raised above. The opinions or decisions that are presented should be supported by references to appropriate texts, articles, websites and current economics practice. The following lists of deadline and requirements should be adhered to. Failure to do so will result in a lower grade on the project.

SUBMISSION DATE: Sunday 3th March: 11.00pm

ASSESSMENT WEIGHTING: 30%.

WORD-LENGTH: 2,500 words (plus/minus 10%)

Assignment Two: INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH PROJECT (MERGERS)
MARKING GUIDE

Q1. a) Define and discuss 3 types of mergers.

2 marks for each of 3 types of mergers. Students must provide a definition of each type of merger, as well as a brief discussion of what it involves. An example of each type could also be rewarded. (6 marks)

b) Discuss any 4 benefits to shareholders/owners from a
merger. (4 marks)

1 mark for a discussion of each of 4 benefits which may result from a
merger.