Answer

Though often used interchangeably, the terms merger and acquisition mean slightly different things.  Mergers are business combination transactions involving the combination of two or more companies into a single entity.  An overview of a merger is available on the SEC government website, SEC.gov Fast Answers.  An acquisition occurs when one company takes over another or the assets of a company and establishes itself as the new owner. The nature of the transaction, hostile vs friendly, can also determine whether the deal is a merger or an acquisition.  The SEC filings for public US companies as well as most company websites will provide information about a merger or acquisition involving the company.  

Go to the Virtual Business Library's Analyst Report page for links to useful resources. including the following suggested resources:  

LSEG Workspace: Formerly Refinitiv, Scroll over Search Tools in the top tool bar and select M&A from the drop down menu.  Coverage includes data on mergers & acquisitions, tender offers, stock swaps, spin-offs & split-offs, recapitalizations, stake purchases, asset sales & divestitures, and leveraged buyout transactions.

Mergent Events Data: Go to the Corporate Actions tab and use the Select Event tab for acquisitions, mergers, and other corporate related transactions.

Additionally, 

VitalLaw: Search Mergers & Acquisitions for information on laws and regulations that regulate mergers & acquisitions as well as news and current awareness. 

Bloomberg. Type "MA" and hit GO. Please note that the Library's Bloomberg stations are accessible onsite on the 5th floor of Bobst Library.

Go to the Virtual Business Library's Journals/Newspapers section for articles and news resources, including the following suggested resources:  ABI-Inform, Business Source Complete, Factiva, and Nexis Uni.