A hostile takeover is one of the most dramatic events in corporate takeovers, often capturing headlines and shaking investor confidence. So, what is a hostile takeover, and how does it differ from a friendly acquisition?
A hostile takeover occurs when an acquiring company seeks to gain control of a target company despite opposition from the target company’s management and board of directors. Instead of negotiating with leadership, the acquirer appeals directly to shareholders, often through tender offers or proxy fights.