TITLE:
Merger and Acquisition Agendas Affected by Evolving Regulations: A Qualitative Phenomenological Research Study
AUTHORS:
Eva McLinden, Andrea Struve
KEYWORDS:
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As), Regulations, Timeline Impact, Qualitative Research, Corporate Governance
JOURNAL NAME:
Technology and Investment,
Vol.17 No.3,
July
2,
2026
ABSTRACT: The purpose of this paper is to explore the evolving regulations and their impact on the agendas and timelines companies set to complete a Merger and Acquisition (M&A). This research uses qualitative data from a phenomenological methodology, gathering perspectives from participants in high-level M&A roles. The interviewees were CFOs, CEOs, integration management officers, CPOs, and lawyers, who have all participated in two or more M&As. Using deductive coding, the qualitative data were organized into three sections: internal factors (financial and cultural impacts), regulations, and risk management. Thus, the argument of this paper is that evolving regulations are affecting companies’ timelines, as evidenced by the results. There was a positive correlation between time commitment and regulations. More specifically, the regulations primarily impacted public companies, while, on a global scale, only private companies were affected.