The table below summarizes the major components of Merger and other acquisition expenses (in thousands):



	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Merger related expenses:
Transaction ⁽¹⁾	$	—	$	18,252	$	—
Severance and retention ⁽²⁾	3,897		15,229		—
Other ⁽³⁾	5,165		2,739		—
Total Merger related expenses	9,062		36,220		—

Other acquisition expenses:
Transaction and integration	—		450		2,875
Total other acquisition expenses	—		450		2,875
Total Merger and other acquisition expenses	$	9,062	$	36,670	$	2,875


⁽¹⁾	For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recognized an income tax benefit of $3.9 million, respectively, related to the Merger transaction expenses; a significant portion of these expenses were not deductible for income tax purposes.


⁽²⁾	For the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company made severance and retention payments of $7.4 million and $10.4 million, respectively, and as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, had $1.3 million and $4.8 million, respectively, accrued for future payments. Accrued severance and retention is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.


⁽³⁾	Represents accelerated share-based compensation expense related to restricted stock awards for certain First Cash employees which vested as a result of the Merger and other integration expenses.