Primary Response is due by Thursday (11:59:59pm Central), Peer Responses are due by Saturday (11:59:59pm Central).

Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400-600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas.

A consumer electronics company that produces cell phones, tablets, and computers is about to merge with another company into a new global conglomerate. The new company's headquarters will be based in the US and have locations in Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle-East. The leaders of the new company are considering various options to be able to ensure that the merger is completed effectively. Please review the following articles on the economic benefits of mergers and business integration:

• Benefits of Mergers
• How to Successfully Achieve Business Integration

Then, with your fellow classmates, reflect on what you have learned in your program and the information from the article, and discuss the following:

• What role should strategic management play in the merger?
• What are some economic benefits of mergers?
• Why is business systems integration important?