With companies accruing hordes of cash in the wake of the market crash, private equity continuing to raise more money, and companies scratching at every opportunity to gain a competitive advantage, most companies approach M&A candidates with an immediate need to strike a deal while the iron is hot.

Under intense pressure to meet aggressive growth objectives and lock up deals with the hottest prospects before their competitors do, most companies aim to expand their portfolio with new business that will accrete value now, or at least in the very near term within two to three years. If their offer is declined or rebuffed by a potential candidate, most quickly move on to find another target with high-growth potential. They simply do not have the time to continue the courtship, and most fail to revisit those prospects after some time has passed.