Final answer:
The most significant advantage of an acquisition is cost savings and operational synergies, as merged entities can reduce duplicate services and improve overall efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most significant advantage of an acquisition, according to the text provided, would likely be cost savings and operational synergies. When two companies combine, there is a potential for a reduction of duplicated services, leading to cost savings. Moreover, combining resources and operations can create synergies, meaning that the whole entity can operate more efficiently than the two separate companies could on their own. This streamlined operation can lead to stronger competitive positioning and greater overall efficiencies that contribute to business growth and expansion.
It is worth noting that while the text mentions stresses similar to those during downsizing, such as the merging of departments and culture changes, these are not discussed in terms of advantages. Instead, the focus should be on the positive outcomes like the operational synergies that can result from a well-executed integration of the two companies.