some 1500 t0 2000 mergers and acquisitions are completed per year worldwide, of which around half are in the US. With deals worth astronomical sums, it comes as no surprise that American executive are queuing up to go back to school for M&A classes. And although it's true that improving earnings and asset growth are not only goals in takeovers, the fact that many mergers result in a net loss of value suggests that schooling is sorely needed