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.
Brandywine is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, although the postal delivery area includes part of Charles County as well near Malcolm. The population of Brandywine (CDP) was 1,410 at the 2000 census, which is a small percentage of the area covered by the Brandywine post office. The Brandywine zip code covers a very large area both east and west of busy Maryland Route 5/U.S. Route 301, which merge at Brandywine. Cedarville State Forest and the picturesque Baden community to the east, including a trailer park community, are part of greater Brandywine. Although surrounded on either side by the sizable communities of Clinton and Waldorf, Brandywine itself has remained primarily rural and scenic; however, this is beginning to change, with new housing developments being built. Brandywine Crossing shopping center, whose first phase opened in October 2008, will have Target, Safeway, Costco, Marshalls, Jo-Ann Stores, Bonefish Grill, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, and a 16-screen Kerasotes Movie Theater. The community also includes Gwynn Park High School, a golf course, and a construction equipment sales lot.