Types of Poison Pills - M&A in Legal English

Vocab List (M&A Focused)

1. To come knocking: For an acquisition target to become available or express interest in being acquired.
   • Example: "When a company with valuable intellectual property comes knocking, you have to consider an acquisition."
2. Hit a target: To achieve a specific M&A objective (e.g., synergy targets, valuation goals).
   • Example: "The acquisition hit the target for cost savings, exceeding initial projections."
3. The whole shabang: Acquiring the entire company, including all assets and liabilities.
   • Example: "Instead of just buying a division, they decided to go for the whole shabang and acquire the entire company."
4. To get up front: To be transparent and direct in M&A negotiations.
   • Example: "We need to get up front with the target company about our intentions and valuation."
5. To boom: For the M&A market to experience a surge in activity.
   • Example: "M&A activity is booming this year with record deal values."
6. Paint a picture: To present a compelling vision of the post-merger integration and potential synergies.
   • Example: "The CEO painted a picture of a combined company with significant market share and growth potential."
7. Scoop up: To quickly acquire a target company, often before competitors can make an offer.
   • Example: "The private equity firm scooped up the promising startup in a competitive bidding process."
8. Hit a mark: To achieve a desired valuation or price for an M&A transaction.
   • Example: "The acquisition hit the mark in terms of valuation, satisfying both the buyer and seller."
9. Hot vs. old news: A target company that is currently attractive for acquisition versus one that has lost its appeal.
   • Example: "That company was hot news last year, but now their technology is considered old news."
10. Crystal clear: Having a clear and well-defined M&A strategy and objectives.
    • Example: "Our M&A strategy is crystal clear: focus on acquiring companies that complement our existing product lines."
11. Black and white: An M&A deal with straightforward terms and conditions; no ambiguity.
    • Example: "The terms of the merger agreement were black and white, leaving no room for misinterpretation."
12. Wiggle room: Flexibility in the negotiation of an M&A deal, such as price or deal structure.
    • Example: "There's some wiggle room in the valuation, but we're not going to overpay."
13. To tank: For an M&A deal to fail or fall apart.
    • Example: "The merger talks tanked after the two companies couldn't agree on the terms."
14. Out of nowhere: An unexpected acquisition bid or offer.
    • Example: "The hostile takeover bid came out of nowhere, surprising the target company's management."
15. Throw a wrench in it: An unexpected event or issue that disrupts an M&A deal.
    • Example: "Regulatory concerns threw a wrench in the proposed merger."
16. To plummet: For the value of a company to drop sharply, making it a more attractive acquisition target.
    • Example: "The comp

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