Particular factors within individual industries often lead to an unusual number of business combinations occurring within those industries over a relatively short period of time. Three industries that have been notable in that regard over the past few years are defense, banking and financial services, and telecommunications.

Required

a. For one of these three industries, select a major company in that industry that has been involved in one or more business combinations during the past five years. Describe the business combination or combinations and discuss the parties involved, the form of the combination or combinations, the consideration exchanged, the accounting method or methods employed, the reasons for the combination or combinations, and any general business strategy that is evident.

b. In what ways are general economic conditions or industry factors relevant to the company's business combination activities'?

c. Do you anticipate that the company will be involved in additional business combinations in the near future? Explain.