Target Firm

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Target Firm'

A company which is the subject of a merger or acquisition attempt. A takeover attempt can take on many different flavors, depending on the attitude of the target firm toward the acquirer. If management and shareholders are in favor of the transaction, then a friendly and orderly transaction can take place. When there is opposition to the transaction, the target firm may attempt a variety of hostile actions hoping to thwart the takeover attempt.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Target Firm'

Target firms are often acquired at a price in excess of their fair market value. This is rational when the acquiring firm perceives an additional strategic value to the acquisition, such as greater economies of scale. These economies do not always materialize however, since there can be additional hidden costs associated with the integration of two firms.

Related Definitions

  • Acquisition Premium

    The difference between the actual cost for acquiring a target firm versus the estimate made of its value before the acquisition.
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  • Hostile Takeover

    The acquisition of one company (called the target company) by another (called the acquirer) that is accomplished not by coming to an agreement with the target company's management, but ...
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  • Sleeping Beauty

    A company that is considered prime for takeover, but has not yet been approached by an acquiring company. A company may be considered a sleeping beauty for a variety of reasons, ...
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    • Takeover

      A corporate action where an acquiring company makes a bid for an acquiree. If the target company is publicly traded, the acquiring company will make an offer for the outstanding shares.
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    • Black Knight

      A company that makes a hostile takeover offer for a target company. In mergers and acquisitions, a black knight attempts a takeover that the target company deems unwelcomed. When a ...
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    • Gray Knight

      A second, unsolicited bidder in a corporate takeover. A gray knight enters the scene in order to take advantage of any problems between the first bidder and the target company.
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    • White Knight

      A company that makes a friendly takeover offer to a target company that is being faced with a hostile takeover from a separate party.
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    • Yellow Knight

      A company that was once making a takeover attempt but ends up discussing a merger with the target company.
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    • Whitewash Resolution

      A European term used in conjunction with the Companies Act Of 1985, which refers to a resolution that must be passed before a target company in a buyout situation can give financial ...
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    • Takeover Artist

      An investor or company whose primary goal is to identify companies that are attractive to buy and that can be turned around to make a profit. A takeover artist will usually use a lot of ...
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