The art of alliance management is an integral part of the practice of business in the twenty-first century. Collaborations between companies provide synergistic ideas and a combined capability that surpasses what each firm can achieve, individually. This handbook comprehensively encompasses the latest research in the expanding fields of strategic alliances and interfirm collaborations, featuring twenty-eight contributions from leading international experts. It will enable the reader to develop skills in negotiating with a prospective partner firm; write alliance agreements that specify the rights, responsibilities, obligations, restraints and safeguards for each partner; govern and manage the relationship, taking into account behavioural and psychological considerations, as well as the power balance over the life of the alliance; and handle termination or dissolution of the agreement when appropriate. It will be an invaluable resource for graduate students and academic researchers in business management, as well as the consultants, executives and lawyers who negotiate, form, and manage alliances.

‘To remain competitive in today's global marketplace, a company should utilize alliances strategically. This comprehensive handbook will help you master the art of alliance management.'

Jaeyong Song - AMOREPACIFIC Professor of Strategy and International Management, Seoul National University Business School

‘This book brings together, in a single volume, most of the leading scholars studying economic cooperation and strategic alliances. Not only do these authors summarize much of what we know about these phenomena but, more importantly, they identify the critical unanswered questions in this area of work. This is a must have for anyone interested in studying, or managing, strategic alliances.'

Jay Barney - Presidential Professor of Strategic Management, University of Utah

‘Although there has been research done on alliances for the past forty or so years, the academic research has lagged the needs of practitioners. Also, the failure rates of alliances is estimated to be in excess of fifty percent. The Contractor and Reuer volume is a needed and welcomed addition to the literature on two levels. First, they address problems that have been neglected in the past. Second, they deal with issues that are useful to alliance practitioners. This edited volume is an excellent reference book for all who wish to delve into the area of alliances.'

Robert E. Spekman - Tayloe Murphy Professor of Business Emeritus, University of Virginia

‘Despite rising protectionist sentiments in some countries, the incidence of cross-border strategic alliances has shown no signs of abating. Contractor and Reuer's edited book of readings, written by many of the best-known authorities in the field, provides important insights on the theory and practice of cross-country strategic alliances. In addition, the volume outlines directions for future research in this important field. A must read for researchers, practitioners and policy makers to help them better understand and benefit from these developments.'

Rosalie L. Tung - The Ming and Stella Wong Professor of International Business, Simon Fraser University, Canada

‘This treatise developed by Contractor and Reuer defines the ‘State of the Art' in alliance scholarship. It spans the boundary between theory and practice providing valuable knowledge for all who study or engage in collaborations between organizations.'

Michael A. Hitt - University Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Mays Business School, Texas A & M University