Hostile Takeover

A takeover bid by one company for another, in which the directors of the target company oppose the bid. Their opposition may be temporary - in effect, a negotiating ploy to encourage a better offer from the bidder - and hostile bids can turn 'friendly' after a period of public posturing.

Some countries, and indeed some companies, are more accepting of hostile takeovers than others. American and British companies tend to consider them part of the cut and thrust of public status, whilst Continental European and Asian business consider them very bad form even if they are unable to prevent them.