Difference between Merger and Consolidation

The terms "merger" and "consolidation" are frequently used in the business sector. Surprisingly, they are also confused and used interchangeably more regularly. They were hearing someone claim that their company merged with another one but that it was a consolidation or vice versa is nothing new.

According to Ohio law, you can legally merge two or more entities into a single company once you combine your firm with another business.

Though fundamentally distinct from consolidation, mergers largely follow the same pattern. A clear distinction between the two words must be formed to comprehend their differences. It is necessary to specify the properties and definitions of each phrase.

A merger and a consolidation involve companies merging as one, which is their fundamental resemblance. Usually, corporations join forces to expand their market shares, pool their resources, and boost earnings.

What is Merger?

A merger is a legally binding union of two or more entities or things, typically businesses, into one. It is also possible to think of it as the procedure by which one company acquires the assets and liabilities of another.

The other company stops operating while the one taking over is still in business. Three companies functioning simultaneously, A, B, and C, would be a suitable illustration. Companies A and B combine to form firm C; A and B no longer exist. For increased brand awareness or market traction, small businesses that join or are acquired by a larger one typically benefit from mergers.

Significant reasons why companies merge −

• Economic necessity
• Economics of sale
• Operating economies
• Synergy
• Diversification
• Growth
• Better financial planning
• Utilization of tax shields
• Elimination of competition
• Increase in value

Significant benefits of a merger −

• Increased goodwill
• Tax benefits
• Entry into more markets.
• Combined forces to face competition.
• Increased financial resources.
• More growth and expansion.
• Increased market share.

What is Consolidation?

Consolidation is a legal process or activity in which two or more entities combine to create a more robust or stable entity. When two or more corporations merge, the new entity is known as the successor corporation and is designed due to the merger.

In a consolidation, the original entities are eliminated instead of a merger. The actual entities' pre-merger assets and liabilities are transferred to the successor corporation.

The leading five reasons why companies decide to venture into consolidation are −

• Streamlining the management and improving decision-making.

• Saving resources and money and reinvesting funds.

• Launching services that are new, faster, and more accessible ways.

• Improving security

• Streamlining the provision of customer services.

Notable benefits of consolidation −

• Established and uniformed operation procedures.

• Reduced costs through economies of scale.

• Elimination of redundancy.

• Lowered overhead expenditures.

Differences between Merger and Consolidation

The following table highlights the major differences between Merger and Consolidation −

Characteristics	Merger	Consolidation
Meaning	A statutory and contractual combination of two or more entities into one new entity. The company taking over continues to exist.	A contractual and statutory process where two or more ventures or companies join hands to form a completely new one.
Form	Two or more companies combine forces, and the company taking over is left as the existing entity.	It happens when different ventures come together and combine forces into a better and more robust experience.
Resultant entity	The absorbed will cease to exist.	All the companies that are involved will cease to exist.
Other names	Fusion	Absorption

Conclusion

Even though the two words "merger" and "consolidation" are frequently used in the business world, it is clear that they differ. The differences are firmly rooted in the shapes each takes and the elements surrounding it. In general, the two expressions refer to joining two or more businesses or firms for improved business potential and market momentum.