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.

This 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 decisionmaking process, and the company's deal execution capabilities. pdf 2009