Merger Mania: Legal and Strategic Response Options for Small Business (Statistical Data‪)‬

ABSTRACT Merger mania is once again gripping our nation. The merger trend is slated to continue because of a combination of emerging information technologies, deregulation, privatization, and lowered trade barriers. The implication for small business is significant: when competitors consolidate, the small business is more vulnerable to the strong arm tactics available to these larger competitors. Some of those tactics are illegal, but large competitors might violate the law, either willfully or unknowingly. It is the responsibility of small business to be vigilant in knowing its rights in this area and enforcing them.