Takeover

Definition

A takeover is a financial transaction in which one company acquires a controlling interest in another business, typically through the purchase of a majority of its shares. This can be achieved through a friendly agreement or a hostile bid. Once control is established, the acquiring company often implements changes in management, strategy, or operations to align the two businesses and maximize overall profitability.

Phonetic

The phonetic pronunciation of the keyword “Takeover” is: /’teɪkˌoʊvər/

Key Takeaways

1. Takeovers refer to the acquisition of one company, or a significant portion of its assets, by another company.
2. There are different types of takeovers, including friendly takeovers, hostile takeovers, and reverse takeovers, each with its own unique process and motivation for the acquisition.
3. Takeovers can create various outcomes for the companies involved and their shareholders, and can sometimes trigger legal and regulatory scrutiny depending on the nature of the deal and the companies involved.

Importance

The term “takeover” is important in business and finance because it signifies a significant event in the corporate world, where one company gains controlling interest in another by acquiring a majority of its shares or assets. Takeovers play a vital role in the growth and expansion of businesses, driving market competition, boosting shareholder value, and enabling the efficient allocation of resources. Through takeovers, companies can achieve economies of scale, diversify their product offerings, gain access to new technologies or markets, and strengthen their position in the industry. Furthermore, takeovers can also lead to synergies and cost savings, benefiting both the acquired and acquiring entities, as well as investors and stakeholders in the long run.

Explanation

A takeover is a strategic move employed in the corporate world to acquire control and ownership of a target company. The main purpose of a takeover is to achieve operational synergy, access new markets, attain economies of scale, or expand market share. This type of corporate action often leads to the consolidation of resources, reduction of operating costs, streamlined decision-making process, and improved competitiveness in the industry. To accomplish a successful takeover, the acquiring firm typically offers to purchase shares of the target entity, which can either be friendly and agreed upon or hostile and unsolicited. Takeovers provide ample benefits not only to the acquiring firm, but also to the target company and its shareholders. For the target firm, a carefully planned and executed takeover can unlock its true potential and provide the requisite capital and strategic assistance for its growth and expansion. On the other hand, shareholders of the target company can earn a premium on their investments, as tender offers often yield higher prices than the prevailing market price. However, takeovers may also give rise to certain concerns, such as the potential loss of jobs and unwanted reshuffling of the management structure. Nonetheless, when conducted properly, takeovers play a crucial role in fostering the development of a healthy business environment by fostering innovation, optimizing resource allocation, and maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly global market.

Examples

1. Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox (2019): In a $71.3 billion deal, The Walt Disney Company acquired the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox. This takeover strengthened Disney’s portfolio by adding well-known properties like X-Men, Avatar, and The Simpsons. It also gave Disney a majority stake in streaming service Hulu and expanded its global presence. 2. Vodafone’s takeover of Mannesmann (2000): This $180 billion acquisition was the largest corporate takeover at the time and remains one of the most expensive. Vodafone, a British telecommunications company, successfully acquired Mannesmann, a German telecommunications and engineering company, in a hostile takeover. This deal allowed Vodafone to expand its presence in Europe and helped consolidate the European mobile telecommunications sector. 3. AT&T’s acquisition of Time Warner (2018): In an $85.4 billion deal, AT&T Inc. acquired Time Warner Inc., creating a telecommunications and media giant. This takeover combined AT&T’s vast distribution network with Time Warner’s coveted content, which included properties like Warner Bros., HBO, and Turner Broadcasting. The acquisition also aimed to strengthen AT&T’s position against competitors like Comcast and Verizon, while enabling the company to better compete against streaming services like Netflix.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Related Finance Terms

• Acquisition
• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
• Hostile Takeover
• Friendly Takeover
• Leveraged Buyout (LBO)

Sources for More Information

• Investopedia
• Corporate Finance Institute
• AccountingTools
• Wikipedia