Which of the following best describes a merger?

A) Two corporations are combined to form a new third corporation, and the original two
corporations cease to exist
B) One corporation sells substantially all of its assets to a second corporation, with both
corporations retaining their separate legal existence
C) Two corporations jointly purchase a third corporation and operate it as a joint venture
D) Two corporations are combined, with one of the original corporations surviving and the
other ceasing to exist
E) One corporation acquires all of the shares of a second corporation, with both corporations
retaining their separate legal existence, the second a subsidiary of the first

D