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takeover

B2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /tˈeɪkəʊvə/

US

  • /ˈteɪˌkoʊvər/

Description

A takeover is about one person, group, or company gaining control of something that was controlled by someone else before. You will often see it in business, where one company gets control of another, sometimes in a friendly way and sometimes against the wishes of the people in charge. Think of it like one side stepping in and ending up in charge.

The word carries a clear sense of change. A hostile takeover happens when a company tries to gain control of another company even though its managers do not want the deal. The word can also be used more broadly for politics, media, or public life when one side suddenly gains control or influence. In every case, the main idea is the same: control moves from one side to another.

Examples

  1. 1

    Business acquisition

    The company announced a takeover of its smaller rival last week.

  2. 2

    Foreign ownership

    Many employees worried that a foreign takeover would lead to job cuts.

  3. 3

    Hostile bid

    The board rejected the hostile takeover bid.

    • Domain

      hostile takeover bid

      an attempt to buy a company without support from its current leaders

  4. 4

    Military coup

    After the military takeover, the country's borders were closed.

  5. 5

    Sports domination

    In the second half, it was a complete takeover by the home team.

    • Pattern

      a takeover by + person/group

      a situation where they suddenly control the event or situation

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • takeovernoun

Forms

  • takeoverspluralnoun