Acquisition Meaning: Definition and Example in Business Terms

Definition

Acquisition is the process of one company gaining control over another through purchasing its assets or equity.

Description

Acquisition involves taking hold of a company's assets, stock, or other ownership interests. 

The purpose of the acquisition is to gain ownership of the target company. When done strategically, it can provide financial or operational advantages to the acquiring company.

There are different types of acquisitions, including:

1. Asset Acquisition: Under asset acquisition, the acquiring company purchases only specific assets of the target company. This could be tangible investments like equipment and real estate and intangible assets such as patents, trademarks, or customer relationships.
2. Stock Acquisition: Under stock acquisition, the acquiring company buys most of the target company's shares, thereby gaining control and ownership of the entire company. This often involves purchasing the shares from existing shareholders.
3. Merger: It involves combining two companies to form a new entity. In some cases, one company may be absorbed into the other or join forces to create a new, independent company.

Importance of Acquisition in Business

Acquisitions can serve various strategic purposes for a business, such as:

• Market Expansion: Acquiring another company can provide access to new markets, customers, and distribution channels, helping the acquiring company expand its reach.
• Diversification: Acquiring a company in a different industry or with complementary products/services can help diversify the acquiring company's portfolio and reduce risk.
• Cost Savings: Through economies of scale, an acquiring company may achieve cost savings by consolidating operations, eliminating redundancies, and improving overall efficiency.
• Talent and Expertise: Acquisitions can bring talented teams, specialized skills, or unique intellectual property that the acquiring company may not possess.

How will the future trends in business affect acquisition?

Technological Innovation: Future acquisitions will prioritize companies with advanced technologies, emphasizing digital transformation, AI, and data analytics.

Strategic Diversification: Businesses will seek acquisitions beyond their core industries, aiming for strategic diversification to enhance resilience and explore new growth opportunities.

Global Expansion: Acquisitions will be driven by the goal of international market entry, with companies acquiring businesses to establish a presence in new geographic regions.

Regulatory Adaptation: Companies will navigate evolving regulations, anticipating and adapting to changes that may impact the process and success of acquisitions.

Remote Work Dynamics: The shift towards remote work will influence acquisitions, focusing on companies providing solutions for virtual collaboration, communication, and talent retention.

Example

An Indian brand involved in an acquisition is Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), part of the Tata Group. TCS is a leading global IT services and consulting company based in India. In 2019, TCS acquired W12 Studios, a London-based digital design studio. This acquisition strengthened TCS's design and innovation capabilities, particularly in the European market.

FAQ

What is the acquisition of a business?

An acquisition of business business refers to the process where one company purchases or takes control of another, usually by acquiring its assets, stock, or other ownership interests.

Why do companies pursue acquisitions?

When companies pursue acquisitions, they look to expand market share, access new technologies or markets, achieve cost synergies, and diversify their product or service offerings.

What is the difference between a merger and an acquisition?

When two companies combine to form a new entity, it is a merger, but when one company acquires another, it is an acquisition. The acquired company may retain its identity in an investment, while a merger involves the creation of a new, merged entity.

What is due diligence in the context of acquisitions?

Due diligence is the process of assessing and investigating the financial, operational, and legal aspects of a target company before completing an acquisition. 

How do acquisitions impact the employees of the acquired company?

The impact on employees can vary, but expected outcomes include changes in management, organisational restructuring, and potential redundancies. Companies often aim to integrate the best aspects of both organisations to create a more efficient and effective combined entity.