målselskapets

Målselskapet is a Norwegian term used in corporate finance to refer to the company that is the subject of a merger or acquisition bid. The possessive form målselskapets is used to describe something belonging to the target company, for example målselskapets aksjer (the target company's shares) or målselskapets gjeld (the target company's debt). The term is common in financial journalism, prospectuses, and due diligence documentation.

In practice, the målselskapet is evaluated by the acquiring party and its advisors as part of due diligence, with focus on financial performance, contracts, regulatory status, employment matters, and potential liabilities. The findings influence the bid structure, pricing, and conditions for completion. The identity and governance of the målselskapet, including the board and key shareholders, are central to the deal process.

Norwegian M&A language frequently uses phrases such as bud til målselskapet or tilbud om å overta målselskapet to describe the bid or offer for the target. The term helps distinguish the target from the buyer (oppkjøperen) and from the seller’s perspective. Documents defining the transaction often reference målselskapets aktiva og passiva (assets and liabilities) and warranties related to målselskapets status.

See also: mergers and acquisitions in Norway, due diligence, bid, target company.