takeover

n. act of taking control of something (as in a government or business)

A takeover in business refers to one company (the acquirer, or bidder) purchasing another (the target). In the UK the term properly refers to the acquisition of a public company whose shares are listed on a stock exchange, in contrast to the acquisition of a private company.
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Noun
1. a sudden and decisive change of government illegally or by force
(synonym) coup d'etat, coup, putsch
(hypernym) group action
(hyponym) countercoup
(derivation) assume, usurp, seize, take over, arrogate
2. a change by sale or merger in the controlling interest of a corporation
(hypernym) buyout
(hyponym) hostile takeover
(derivation) take over, buy out, buy up

Often used in risk arbitrage. Change in the controlling interest of a corporation, either through a friendly acquisition or an unfriendly, hostile, bid. A hostile takeover  (aiming to replace existing management) is usually attempted through a public tender offer. General term referring to transfer of control of a firm from one group of shareholders to another group of shareholders.