Abstract

Scholars have been conducting serious research mainstream on the human,
organizational and cultural aspects of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for
more than three decades. The current globalization is faced by the challenge
to meet the continuously growing worldwide demand for capital and consumer
goods by simultaneously ensuring a sustainable evolvement of human existence
in its social, environmental and economic dimensions. Currently, a new era of
M&A is emerging through a wave of strategic investment decision-making
toward Industry 4.0 (I4.0) strategy. The new waves of M&A can be viewed
as comprehensive integration of manufacturing systems, production processes,
digital communications technologies and automated machines. I4.0 strategy
will make supply chains and production processes more interconnected, efficient
and flexible, allowing mass-customization and virtual production. This
chapter offers state of the art review of I4.0 based on recent developments
in research and practice. This chapter offers an overview of opportunities and
challenges associated with M&A activities toward I4.0, and suggestions for
future research.