Get the information on all recent mergers and acquisitions A.S.A.P.

If you are using the information for event-based investing purposes, you need up-to-date information. The faster you get it, the higher your profits can be. Temper this need by the cost of the information.

I recommend: There are several trading-oriented programs available, such as the Bloomberg systems that deliver financial news in real time. For a smaller investor with limited financial resources, there are free services, such as registering at SECFilings.com that sends email alerts when firms file various types of forms with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Another source is MergerInvesting.com which lists pending mergers, along with the target ticker symbols and deal premiums.

Find detailed M&A statistics

The largest deals always make the news. But the smaller deals may not, so to get a complete view of mergers and acquisitions, it is important to get good data. Whether you want to monitor industry consolidation, or forecast trends for investment purposes, accurate data is imperative. Financial advisory fees and completion rate data is also available.

I recommend: To get an overview of M&A statistics, use the M&A Journal, a leading industry periodical. They provide year-end round-ups in the February edition with statistical details. Each edition also lists recent mergers and acquisitions. For those willing to pay a fee, Thomson provides a variety of databases with information on mergers and acquisitions. A demonstration is available to see the level of information that is available.

Utilize mergers and acquisitions information resources to research the value of the firm

For the owner looking to sell the firm, an agent may be required not only to shop the firm, but also to provide an accurate valuation of the firm by looking into recent business acquisitions. Most buyers' needs are similar. Furthermore, both parties in an acquisition may require agents to work out the deal and help retain legal assistance.

I recommend: Accurate valuation is critical when marketing a business or finding one to buy. Sellers may have an emotional connection to the firm, and either party may lack the appropriate skills for business valuation. Hiring a consultant provides the necessary skills to effect a merger. You can try the Brokers Network Group, M&A Source or the Alliance of Merger and Acquisition Advisors for lists of M&A experts.  Find extensive company profile information, much of it for free, at Hoover's.