Which of the following is not a typical strategic objective or benefit that drives mergers and acquisitions? A. B) To create a more cost-efficient operation out of the combined companies B. E) To extend a company's business into new product categories and/or expand a company's geographic coverage C. D) To expedite shifting from one strategy to another and gain better access to additional financial capital D. C) To fundamentally alter a company's trajectory and improve its business outlook E. A) To gain quick access to new technologies or other resources and capabilities

To expedite shifting from one strategy to another and gain better access to additional financial capital

Explanation: Mergers and acquisitions is a corporate strategy that involves the buying, selling, dividing, and combining of different companies and similar entities into one that can help an enterprise grow rapidly in its sector or location, or acquire new sectors or locations. To expedite shifting from one strategy to another and gain better access to additional financial capital is not a typical strategic objective or benefit that drives mergers and acquisitions. Mergers and acquisition strategies may offer considerable cost-saving opportunities to businesses and can also help a company expand its geographic coverage or extend its business into new product categories; quick access to new technologies or other resources and capabilities; and can also be beneficial in helping a company invent a new industry thus leading the convergence of industries whose boundaries are being blurred by ever changing technologies and new market opportunities.