Growth is an inspiring value for any living entity. If it is true that organic growth is in itself easy to pursue, because it does not require any additional effort, there are ge-ographies and entire sectors where external (or inorganic) solutions are unavoidable. And of course where M&A is consequently mandatory. As a matter of fact the overall dimension of the (recorded) M&A operations world-wide fluctuates over time, essentially with a positive correlation with equity market trends; but we are always talking about trillions of euros, consistently above the GDP of countries like Italy, France and sometimes Germany. Huge dimensions! When we were planning to write this book, we all had clearly in mind all there piv-otal aspects for corporate strategies. And decided to mix a rigorous approach based on solid, updated academic research, with the empirical experience accumulated by some of the best actors of the international M&A scenario. The result that our Reader can now enjoy is a rich textbook, that aims at clarifying the rationale for elaborating successful M&A operations; that carefully illustrates the instruments and processes to carry them out properly, always keeping in sight the objective to generate sustainable value in the long term. Preface by Bram Schot.