Which of the Following Best Describes a Merger

Which of the following best describes a merger?

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