3. Level of merger activity and takeovers Mergers, merger waves, and the factors that drive these mergers have caused paradigm shifts in the corporate landscape of the United States. Several factors drive these merger waves. Which of the following has been a driving factor for mergers? O Companies looked at mergers as a strategic move to gain economies of scale or scope. Shareholders forced companies to merge to gain stronger control over their management. the acquiring company offers to purchase some or all shares from the target company's shareholders