Takenover

Takenover, typically written as two words taken over, is a term used to describe the act or state of one entity gaining control of another. In business and corporate law, a takeover occurs when one company acquires enough voting shares or combines with the target to influence or control its management and strategic direction. The phrase can refer to the event itself or the entity after control has shifted.

There are two broad forms of takeovers. A friendly takeover happens with the consent of the target’s management and board, often accompanied by a negotiated agreement. A hostile takeover proceeds despite opposition from the target’s leadership, sometimes pursued through a tender offer directly to shareholders or a proxy contest to replace the board. Common methods to achieve control include tender offers for a controlling stake, share swaps, or creeping acquisitions over time.

Regulatory and governance considerations shape how takeovers unfold. Most jurisdictions require disclosures to shareholders and market authorities, and many require antitrust or competition reviews. Directors owe fiduciary duties to the company and its minority shareholders, and protections or remedies may be in place for dissenting investors.

In usage, taken over language appears in financial journalism, corporate settlements, and legal discussions about mergers and acquisitions. Outside business, the phrase can describe other forms of seizure or absorption, such as political or administrative takeovers, though those contexts involve different mechanisms and implications.

See also: acquisition, mergers and acquisitions, hostile takeover, takeover defense, nationalization, coup d'état.