Ask HN: How to propose “we should merge companies”?

1. If company A and B are both early startups with complimentary services, and a merger objectively benefits both A and B, how is the topic broached? How would B sell A on a merger?

2. Now what if A and B are competitors?

3. Enter big public company X that A and B both want to partner with. A is independently in conversations with X about partnering, but B is not. How would B bring up X and suggest an A+B+X partnership?