Definition

Noun: - A takeover that is resisted by the management of the target company: A hostile takeover is a specific type of corporate acquisition where one company (the acquirer) attempts to purchase another company (the target) against the explicit wishes and active opposition of the target company's board of directors and management.

Usage

This term is used primarily in the context of finance, business, and corporate law. It describes a contested acquisition process, contrasting with a "friendly takeover" which is negotiated and agreed upon by both companies' leadership.

Examples

• The investor group launched a hostile takeover by directly appealing to the shareholders after the board rejected their offer.
• The company's management implemented a "poison pill" strategy to defend against the potential hostile takeover.
• The hostile takeover attempt became a major news story, creating uncertainty for employees and customers.

Advanced Usage

• "to fend off a hostile takeover": to successfully defend against an unwanted acquisition attempt.
  • The CEO worked tirelessly to fend off the hostile takeover and keep the company independent.
• "to be the target of a hostile takeover": to be the company that another is trying to acquire against management's will.
  • After its stock price fell, the tech firm found itself the target of a hostile takeover.

Variants and Related Words

• Takeover (n): The general act of gaining control of a company by purchasing a majority of its stock. A hostile takeover is a subtype of takeover.
• Acquisition (n): A broader term for one company purchasing most or all of another company's shares or assets.
• Proxy fight (n): A common tactic in a hostile takeover where the acquirer tries to persuade shareholders to vote out the current management to facilitate the takeover.

Synonyms

• Unwanted takeover: A takeover that is not desired by the target's management.
• Contested takeover: A takeover that is actively resisted and fought.

Antonyms

• Friendly takeover: A takeover that is approved and negotiated by the management of both companies involved.

Noun

1. a takeover that is resisted by the management of the target company