Definition

Noun: An effort made by an individual, group, or another company to gain control of a corporation, typically by purchasing a large portion of its voting stock. This action is often contested by the target company's management.

Usage

This term is used in the context of business, finance, and corporate law. It describes a specific event or process, not a general effort. It is often modified by adjectives describing the type of attempt (e.g., "hostile," "failed").

Examples

• The takeover attempt by the larger conglomerate was the main topic at the shareholder meeting.
• The company's board is preparing defenses against a potential takeover attempt.
• The takeover attempt failed when the raider could not secure enough shares.

Advanced Usage

• Hostile takeover attempt: An attempt to gain control that is strongly resisted by the target company's board of directors.
  • The hostile takeover attempt led to a fierce proxy fight.
• Failed takeover attempt: An effort to gain control that was not successful.
  • After the failed takeover attempt, the company's stock price fell sharply.

Variants and Related Words

• Takeover bid (n): A specific, formal offer to purchase shares from stockholders, usually at a premium, to gain control. This is a common method in a takeover attempt.
• Takeover (n): The act or an instance of assuming control or possession. A "takeover attempt" aims to achieve a "takeover."

Synonyms

• Acquisition bid
• Merger proposal (in some contexts, though a merger is typically agreed upon)

Related Phrases

• To fend off a takeover attempt: To successfully defend against an effort to gain control.
  • Management fended off the takeover attempt by finding a "white knight."
• To launch a takeover attempt: To initiate the effort to gain control.
  • The investment group launched a takeover attempt early this year.

Noun

1. an attempt to take control of a corporation