The Main Idea

One plus one makes three: this equation is the special alchemy of a merger or an acquisition. The key principle behind buying a company is to create shareholder value over and above that of the sum of the two companies. Two companies together are more valuable than two separate companies - at least, that's the reasoning behind M&A.

1. The management of a client's investments by a financial services company, usually an investment bank. The company will invest on behalf of its clients and give them access to a wide range of traditional and alternative product offerings that would not be to the average investor.

Asset management, broadly defined, refers to any system whereby things that are of value to an entity or group are monitored and maintained. It may apply to both tangible assets and to intangible concepts such as intellectual property and goodwill. Asset management is a systematic process of operating , maintaining, and upgrading assets cost-effectively, (American Associate of State Highway and Transportation Officials).

Investment management is the professional management of various securities (shares, bonds and other securities) and 

Профессиональное управление различными типами ценных бумаг (акциями, облигациями и т. д.) и другими активами (например, недвижимостью), целью которого является получение прибыли инвесторами. Инвесторами в данном случае могут выступать как компании (страховые компании, пенсионные фонды, корпорации и т. д.), так и частные инвесторы (непосредственно или с помощью коллективного инвестирования).