Takeover facts for kids

A takeover or acquisition happens in the business world when one company buys another company. The company that is doing the buying is called the "buyer" or "acquirer." The company that is being bought is called the "target." Think of it like one big company deciding to add a smaller company to its team.

What Are the Different Kinds of Takeovers?

There are a few main ways companies can be bought. These are usually called friendly, hostile, reverse, or back-flip takeovers. Each type works a bit differently depending on how the companies involved feel about the deal.

Friendly Takeovers

A friendly takeover is like two friends agreeing to work together. This happens when the leaders of the company being bought (the target company) agree that it's a good idea to be purchased. They talk things over, agree on a price, and then make the deal happen smoothly. It's a win-win situation where both sides are happy with the outcome.

Hostile Takeovers

Sometimes, a company wants to buy another, but the leaders of the target company don't want to be bought. This is called a hostile takeover. It's like one company trying to buy another even if the other company's leaders say "no." The buying company might try to convince the target company's owners (shareholders) directly to sell their shares, even if the current management doesn't agree.

Reverse Takeovers

A reverse takeover is a bit unusual. It happens when a smaller, private company effectively takes control of a larger, public company. Usually, a public company's shares are traded on a stock market, while a private company's shares are not. In a reverse takeover, the private company buys enough shares of the public company to gain control. This is often a way for the private company to become a public company without going through the usual, often expensive, process of an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

Back-Flip Takeovers

A back-flip takeover is also quite unique. This happens when the company that is doing the buying (the acquirer) actually becomes a part of the company it bought (the target company). It's like the buyer joining the seller, instead of the other way around. This can happen if the target company has a very strong brand, special technology, or a unique business model that the buyer wants to keep in charge.

Why Do Companies Do Takeovers?

Companies buy other companies for many reasons. They might want to grow bigger, get new customers, or gain access to new products or technologies. Sometimes, a company buys another to get rid of a competitor. Other times, it's about saving money by combining operations or getting talented employees from the target company.

How Takeovers Happen

The process of a takeover can be complex. It usually involves a lot of financial planning and legal steps. The buying company will often make an "offer" to buy the shares of the target company. If enough shareholders agree to sell their shares, the takeover can go through. This can take many months to complete.