målselskapet

Målselskapet is the Norwegian term for the company that is the target of a takeover or acquisition. It denotes the entity that a bidder seeks to acquire, either by purchasing shares or assets. The term is used in financial reporting, regulatory filings, and corporate communications to distinguish the target from the bidder (oppkjøper) and other parties. It can be applied in both friendly and hostile bid situations.

In a typical takeover process, målselskapet is identified as the entity that may undergo a change of ownership. A due diligence review is carried out by the potential acquirer to assess financial statements, liabilities, contracts, employees, and regulatory exposure. Valuation work, deal structuring, and negotiations follow. The board of the målselskapet has fiduciary duties to act in the best interests of its shareholders, often engaging independent advisers. Shareholders of the målselskapet may be asked to approve a proposal, depending on corporate governance rules and legal requirements.

Outcomes of a deal vary. If the offer is completed, målselskapet may be merged into the acquirer or operate as a subsidiary under new ownership, with post-merger integration plans guiding strategy and governance. If the bid fails, målselskapet may continue as an independent company or pursue alternative strategic options. The term is widely used across industries in Nordic M&A discourse and serves as a neutral reference point in negotiations and analyses.