Understanding The Metaphoric Basis of Internationalization: The Case of Mergers and Acquisitions

Language is a key part of how we make sense of radical change such as international mergers and acquisitions. This paper focuses on metaphors and explains how different types of imageries and analogies – related e.g., to marriage, war and battle, and sports – may be used in such sensemaking. These imageries are not, however, just ‘harmless’ words that are interesting or entertaining. They may instead be power-laden constructions, define what is legitimate or natural in the merger settings, and have all kinds of implications on identity-construction.