Takeover: meaning, definitions and examples

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takeover

[ˈteɪkəʊvə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

business

The acquisition or gaining control of a company or organization by another, usually through buying a majority of its shares.

Synonyms

acquisition, buyout, merger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
takeover	Duplicate, see first entry.
acquisition	Utilized in a formal business context when one company purchases another company or a significant part of it. The acquisition of the start-up bolstered the tech giant's portfolio
merger	Relevant when two companies agree to combine into a single entity, usually seen as a mutually beneficial arrangement. The merger of the two tech companies created a powerhouse in the industry
buyout	Employed to describe situations where one party purchases a controlling interest in a company, often involving buying out the equity stake of existing shareholders. The private equity firm's buyout of the family-owned business brought significant changes

Examples of usage

The takeover of the company by a rival firm was unexpected.
The board approved the takeover bid from the conglomerate.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

politics

The assumption of control or power, especially by force or coercion.

Synonyms

coup, seizure, usurpation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
takeover	Use this in business or political contexts when one entity takes control of another, usually smoothly and through formal processes. The company's takeover of its competitor has been in the news The board approved the takeover after weeks of negotiation
coup	This is used to describe a sudden and often violent overthrow of a government or leader by a small group, usually military members. It often has a negative connotation. The military coup resulted in the overthrow of the elected president Citizens reacted with shock and fear after the coup
seizure	Often used to describe the act of taking something forcefully or suddenly, whether it be property, power, or control, usually by legal or military means. The authorities ordered the seizure of all illegal goods at the border The rebels planned the seizure of the capital city
usurpation	This term is used in more formal contexts to describe an illegal or unethical taking of power or position, often by someone who has no rightful claim to it. It carries a strong negative connotation. The king accused his brother of usurpation of the throne The employees were upset by the manager's usurpation of authority

Examples of usage

The military coup resulted in a violent takeover of the government.
The dictator's takeover of the country led to widespread protests.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

general

To take control or possession of something, especially by force.

Synonyms

capture, occupy, seize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
takeover	Typically used in a business setting when one company takes control of another. It can also be used in a non-business context to indicate taking control of a non-physical entity. The company's takeover of its rival resulted in a monopoly. The new manager's takeover of the team brought many changes.
seize	Often carries a sense of urgency or aggression. Used in contexts involving forceful or swift actions, including law enforcement and military operations. The police seized the illegal drugs during the raid. The rebels seized control of the broadcasting station.
occupy	Generally used to describe the act of taking and holding space or time. It is often used in both military and residential contexts. The soldiers occupied the abandoned building. She occupied the role of president for three years.
capture	Often used in military or law enforcement contexts to describe catching or gaining control of something or someone. It can also apply to capturing attention or a moment. The army managed to capture the enemy base. The photographer captured the beautiful sunset perfectly.

Examples of usage

The rebels planned to takeover the enemy stronghold.
The hackers attempted to takeover the company's network.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

'Takeover' is a combination of 'take' and 'over,' suggesting seizing control.
The term became popular in the business world in the mid-20th century, particularly during the rise of corporate mergers.
Initially used in a military context, the word evolved to describe corporate control actions in the 1960s.

Economics

Takeovers can be friendly, where both parties agree, or hostile, where the target company resists.
They can lead to significant shifts in market dynamics, impacting stock prices and employee positions.
Regulatory bodies often scrutinize large takeovers to prevent monopolies and ensure fair competition.

Pop Culture

Takeover scenarios are popular in movies, often depicted as a dramatic struggle for power, exemplified in films like 'Wall Street.'
In television shows, takeovers are frequently portrayed in soap operas, reflecting the intrigue of corporate conflicts.
Many video games feature takeover themes where players can conquer companies or territories to advance.

Business Strategy

Strategically, a takeover can be part of a company’s growth strategy, allowing for rapid expansion into new markets.
Post-takeover, integration challenges arise, as merging different company cultures can lead to conflicts.
Successful takeovers often rely on clear communication and aligning goals between the acquiring and acquired companies.

Politics

In political contexts, a takeover can refer to a coup, where a new government forcefully replaces an existing one.
Historical examples of political takeovers often provoke debates on legitimacy and international relations.
Takeovers can reshape not just companies but also the socio-economic landscape of entire regions or countries.

Translations

Translations of the word "takeover" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aquisição

🇮🇳 अधिग्रहण

🇩🇪 Übernahme

🇮🇩 pengambilalihan

🇺🇦 поглинання

🇵🇱 przejęcie

🇯🇵 買収

🇫🇷 acquisition

🇪🇸 adquisición

🇹🇷 devralma

🇰🇷 인수

🇸🇦 استحواذ

🇨🇿 převzetí

🇸🇰 prevzatie

🇨🇳 收购

🇸🇮 prevzem

🇮🇸 yfirtaka

🇰🇿 жұтылу

🇬🇪 შეძენა

🇦🇿 ələ keçirmə

🇲🇽 adquisición