ABSTRACT
This introductory chapter outlines the motivations and rationale for the book, drawing attention to the need for reframing the way of thinking and imagining M&A away from a shareholder-oriented earnings per share (eps) focus to stakeholder-oriented focus on the economic, social, and political processes and implications around M&A. This is against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic escalating public questioning of the desirability and sustainability of the market economy and concerns around corporate behaviour and the societal role of business that is manifest in rising interest around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues which are becoming a major factor behind corporate investment and asset management decisions. The chapter presents the challenges this poses for M&A researchers and practitioners, the four case studies, and book structure.
