Assume That Two Companies Wish to Engage in a Business

Multiple Choice

Assume that two companies wish to engage in a Business Combination involving a share exchange. Once the share exchange is consummated, each shareholder group will have an equal number of voting shares. Which of the following statements best describes the course of action that must be taken under these circumstances?

A) No acquirer can be identified since no shareholder group has majority voting control, so the share exchange must be annulled.
B) The company with the largest net assets (at fair market value) is deemed to be the acquirer.
C) Other factors must be examined to determine which shareholder group is more dominant.
D) The Boards of Directors of both companies must enter into discussions to agree on which party will be the acquirer.