Global in scope and written by leading scholars in the field, the Research Handbook on Mergers and Acquisitions is a modern-day survey providing cutting edge analysis of the state of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) using history, theory, and empirical work. It also offers a theoretical framework for future research and development in the field. The Handbook's detailed chapters explore the history of M&A, considering the theory behind the structure of modern transaction documentation. The expert contributors also address other key M&A issues, such as takeover defenses; judges and practitioners' perspectives on litigation; the appraisal remedy and other aspects of federal and state law, as well as M&A considerations in the structure of start-ups. The Handbook's coverage is novel, as well as broad, broaching comparative issues and shareholder activism in addition to more traditional areas. This Research Handbook will be an invaluable resource for scholars, practitioners, judges and legislators, as well as for anyone researching M&A in general.