​Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) refer to the consolidation of companies or assets through various forms of business combinations. Mergers are the combination of two companies to form a new company, while Acquisitions occur when one company takes over another company and establishes itself as the new owner. M&A can provide benefits such as increased market share, cost savings, and access to new markets and technologies. However, they also carry risks such as cultural conflicts, financial losses, and regulatory issues.