This article analyzes the prerequisites for the development of mergers and acquisitions for companies. The key barriers and difficulties in implementing MA strategies are highlighted. They reveal the difficulties for both the company being absorbed and the investor company. The authors have compiled an algorithm for implementing mergers and acquisitions strategies, the final stage of which is to evaluate the resulting synergistic effect, reflecting an increase in the combined company's ability to create value than individual companies before the merger. The authors have highlighted the theses on the impact of mergers and acquisitions on the economic processes of the country, industries and companies themselves. The main trends of the mergers and acquisitions market both in the global economy and in Russia are highlighted. The general trend of the global mergers and acquisitions market has become its slowdown. Among the basic factors slowing down the development of the market, economic uncertainty and rising inflation, the increase in interest rates and volatility of financial markets, reducing the possibility of acquiring the largest players, are highlighted. Rising inflation weakens the results of many companies and affects their liquidity. The Russian market of mergers and acquisitions has intensified due to sanctions and the sale by many foreign companies of their assets located in the territory of the Russian Federation. The article shows the industry segmentation of the Russian mergers and acquisitions market. The review of the trends of the mergers and acquisitions market in modern turbulent conditions presented in the article will be useful to the top management of companies participating in this market.