1. the act or an instance of assuming control or management of or responsibility for something, especially the seizure of power, as in a nation, political organization, or corporation.

1. the purchase of one company by another; a merger without the formation of a new company, especially where some stakeholders in the purchased company oppose the purchase.
2. the acquisition of a public company whose shares are listed on a stock exchange, in contrast to the acquisition of a private company.
3. A time or event in which control or authority, especially over a facility is passed from one party to the next.

1. the acquisition of ownership of one company by another company, usually by purchasing a controlling percentage of its stock or by exchanging stock of the purchasing company for that of the purchased company. it is a hostile takeover if the management of the company being taken over is opposed to the deal. A hostile takeover is sometimes organized by a corporate raider.

1. a sudden and decisive change of government illegally or by force
2. a change by sale or merger in the controlling interest of a corporation
3. take up and practice as one's own
4. seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
5. take up, as of debts or payments
6. do over
7. free someone temporarily from his or her obligations
8. take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities
9. take on as one's own the expenses or debts of another person
10. take over ownership of; of corporations and companies