Merging layers, while keeping labels and symbology

[BasselTakidin]

Hello all, I am trying to merge about 10 different layers into one layer such as (Valves, hydrants, meters) but I want to keep their labels and symbology in tact. When I use the "Merge" tool, the layers symbols are generalized and the labels disappear. Any ideas of how I can solve this issue? Thank you for your help!

[DanPatterson_Retired]

The only way you can keep symbology is to produce a layer '*.lyr' file from one of the file inputs assuming that it contains a symbology that represents all the other layers you are trying to merge

[BasselTakidin]

Okay I see, thank you for the response. How about the labels from each individual layer? Can i make them appear after merging all the layers? Appreciate your time

[DanPatterson_Retired]

If they are field-based labels, you may have reassign the field, as the label field since Merge.... creates a new file and wouldn't know what the label field was.  

Append... on the other hand, 'merges' other files with an existing file, but... I never like modifying an existing file