Final answer:
A common difference between a merger and an acquisition is the level of control and ownership.
Step-by-step explanation:
A common difference between a merger and an acquisition is the level of control and ownership. In a merger, two equal firms combine to become a single firm, sharing control and ownership. On the other hand, an acquisition involves one firm purchasing another, resulting in the purchasing firm having more control and ownership over the acquired firm. This means that in a merger, both firms have a say in decision-making and hold ownership stakes, while in an acquisition, the purchasing firm has the authority to make decisions and owns a majority stake in the acquired firm.