What Is an Acquisition?

What Is an Acquisition?

By Charles Joseph | Editor, Financial Affairs
Reviewed by Corey Michael | Senior Financial Analyst

An acquisition is when one company purchases most or all of another company’s shares to gain control of that company. Acquisitions are often made as part of a company’s growth strategy when it is more beneficial to take over an existing firm’s operations compared to expanding on its own. Acquisitions are often paid in cash, the acquiring company’s stock, or a combination of both.

Related Questions

1. What are the main types of company acquisitions?

There are generally two main types of company acquisitions: friendly and hostile. Friendly acquisitions are when both companies agree to the transaction, while hostile acquisitions occur without the consent of the target company’s management.

2. What is the difference between merger and acquisition?

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A merger occurs when two companies combine to create a new entity. An acquisition is when one company purchases another company and establishes itself as the new owner.

3. What are the potential benefits of acquisitions?

Some benefits of acquisitions include achieving economies of scale, increasing market share, accessing new markets or distribution channels, and potentially reducing costs and overhead.

4. What are some potential risks or downsides to acquisitions?

Potential risks include executive ego leading to overestimated synergy savings, culture clashes between different organizations, and regulatory hurdles. It can also be difficult to integrate systems, processes, and people from two different companies.

5. How can an acquisition affect employees?

Employees may experience changes in their job roles, work environments, or even company culture after an acquisition. They may also feel uncertain or fearful about job security if layoffs or organizational changes are expected.



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