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.
Preston is a small unincorporated exurban community located 22 miles (35 km) east of Seattle in King County, Washington, United States. The community was named after railway official William T. Preston. Preston is a historic mill town on the northeast edge of the large Tiger Mountain State Forest, along Interstate 90. Because Preston, elevation 430 ft, is located within commuting distance of Seattle and Bellevue, Preston is increasingly becoming a wealthy bedroom community, although logging still remains an important industry. The local Raging River feeds into the Snoqualmie River at Fall City, and offers recreational activities like fly-fishing and swimming. Eastside Fire & Rescue has an all-volunteer fire station, Station 74, staffed by residents of Preston and nearby communities, which serves the Preston area. The Preston Community Club is a volunteer organization that was created to unite and protect the historic Preston community by organizing town events, and acting as liaisons to local and state government. Several small stores have popped up as the area grows, such as the Preston General store, Sherm's BBQ, Coffee Too!, and formerly, the town's post office. Several larger companies have taken advantage of Preston's accessibility, such as bottled water company Talking Rain, SanMar, and Platt.