1.Research the financial press (online media) to find two companies that merged within the last 5 years. Determine or estimate the following:

a.Summarize the chronology of events from the first offer that was made by the acquiring firm until the final acquisition was agreed. Include information about other firms that were involved, even in an indirect manner (for example, where there any "white knights" out there?).

b.What potential synergies drove the merger?

c.Was the deal 1) all equity, 2) all cash, or 3) a combination thereof?

d.Consider your answer to part (c). Is this a taxable event to 1) the target firm's existing shareholders, and 2) the acquiring firm's existing shareholders?

Was there a premium offered for the shares of the target firm? If so, try to approximate it.