This chapter examines the critical role of ethical governance and anti-corruption within the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) lifecycle, aligning corporate conduct with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16. While M&A frameworks traditionally prioritize financial and operational performance, it argues proactive, value-based decision-making to mitigate systemic risks such as insider trading and successor liability. The chapter reviews international regulatory landscapes, including the FCPA, UK Bribery Act, and India's Companies Act 2013, alongside high-profile cases like Siemens and Enron. It proposes a three-pillar framework consisting of Integrity Assurance Systems, Institutional Accountability Structures, and Stakeholder Inclusivity to operationalize integrity. By integrating ethical due diligence from deal origination through post-merger integration, organizations can transform M&A into a strategic mechanism for building institutional trust and advancing global justice.