Mergers and acquisitions, also known as M&A, is a branch of corporate law focused on the consolidation of two or more companies. Numerous federal and state bodies of law regulate M&A activity, and M&A lawyers must be familiar with these laws to successfully execute transactions.

I. Federal Law

Starting with federal laws—M&A transactions almost always trigger the application of federal securities and antitrust laws.

A. The Securities Act

The Securities Act of 1933, commonly called...