In the law of corporations, a merger is effected when one or more corporations becomes a part of, or merges, with another corporation so that one ceases to exist and the other continues to exist. In a merger, the company that continues to exist retains its name and identity and acquires the assets, liabilities, franchises, and powers of the corporation that ceases to exist. Attorneys who practice in mergers and acquisitions (sometimes called M & A) represent corporations and other business entities in strategizing, negotiating, and carrying out transactions in which two or more companies or corporations combine into a single new entity, a merger, or where one business purchases and absorbs the assets of another, an acquisition.
Discovery Bay is a census-designated place (CDP) in Contra Costa County, California in the United States about 60 miles (97 km) from San Francisco. As of 2006, the town's population was about 16,500. Discovery Bay is based on a waterfront community of 3,500+ homes with private docks with access to the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Now Discovery Bay has grown and added Discovery Bay West which features gated and non-gated "off-water" communities with homes from 1,400 square feet (130 m) up to 4,700 square feet (440 m). In July 2007 Discovery Bay celebrated its maturity into its own community by changing the zip code from 94514 (which it shared with the neighboring town Byron) to 94505. A huge town celebration ensued with a world record-setting paddle boat raft-up.