After an extended period of favorable conditions, financial and economic uncertainties have blurred the outlook for the global merger and acquisition (M&A) market. In these circumstances, effective analysis is especially important before embarking upon an acquisition, yet the results of a survey by Deloitte Research, in cooperation with the Economist Intelligence Unit, indicate some potential acquirers may be overlooking potentially troublesome issues.

The survey obtained views on a variety of M&A topics from a global sample of corporate executives and M&A advisors. In comparing the answers of respondents whose companies are at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of their M&A record, notable contrasts emerged in four areas: the degree to which the company’s enthusiasm for M&A is affected by the prevailing business environment, the linkage between a deal and the company's strategic goals, the balance and inclusiveness of the company's M&A decision-making process and the company's deal execution capabilities. The report draws conclusions as to what methods companies can apply to make it more likely that strategic acquisitions will be truly strategic.