VLOOKUP across merged cells

[Guest]

I have a VLOOKUP formula which matches values in 'Col A' to a spreadsheet
which, when opened, the values in 'Col A' are merged across A,B,&C. The only
values which are returned are those whose entire name is within 'Col A'.
Those which extend (merge) over columns B & C are not recognized.

Is there a way to overcome this?

 

[Myrna Larson]

Another example of problems created by merged cells. Unmerge them. Try the
horizontal alignment CenterAcrossColumns to create the same visual effect
without the problems.