Acquisition

From Reuters Financial Glossary

The purchase by one company of another, for cash, an exchange of shares, or a combination of both. The process, also known as a takeover, can be friendly and have the agreement of the acquired company. Or it can be hostile, when the target rejects the approach and tries to resist being acquired. A takeover or acquisition is usually done with the help of an investment bank and its M&A, or mergers and acquisition, division.