What is Synergy? Synergy is the concept that the whole of an entity is worth more than the sum of the parts. This logic is typically a driving force behind mergers and acquisitions (M&A), where investment bankers and corporate executives often use synergy as a rationale for the deal. In other words, by combining two…
What is a Creeping Takeover? In mergers and acquisitions (M&A) a Creeping Takeover, also known as Creeping Tender Offer, is the gradual purchase of the target company’s shares. The strategy of a creeping takeover is to gradually acquire shares of the target through the open market, with the goal of gaining a controlling interest. Understanding…
What is a Financing Contingency? In a home sale and purchase agreement, a financing contingency refers to a clause that expresses that the offer is contingent on the buyer securing financing for the property. A financing contingency provides the buyer with protection from potential legal ramifications in case the deal fails to close. Financing Contingencies in…
What is a Key Man Clause? A key man clause is a contractual clause that prohibits an investment firm or fund manager from making new investments if one or more key persons are not available to devote the necessary time to the investment. A key man is an important employee or executive who is critical…
What is Quality of Earnings? A quality of earnings report is a routine step in the due diligence process for private acquisitions. The report assesses how a company accumulates its revenues – such as cash or non-cash, recurring or nonrecurring. Net income is not necessarily a 100% accurate indication of financial performance for a business….
What is a Joint Venture (JV)? A joint venture (JV) is a commercial enterprise in which two or more organizations combine their resources to gain a tactical and strategic edge in the market. Companies often enter into a joint venture to pursue specific projects. The JV may be a new project with similar products or…
What is the Pac-Man Defense? The Pac-Man Defense is a strategy used by targeted companies to prevent a hostile takeover. This takeover prevention strategy is implemented by the target company turning things around by trying to take over the acquirer. The purpose of the Pac-Man Defense, as with any defensive strategy against a hostile takeover,…
What is the Crown Jewel Defense? The Crown Jewel Defense strategy in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is when the target company of a hostile takeover sells its most valuable assets to reduce its attractiveness to the hostile bidder. The crown jewel defense is a last-resort defense since the target company will be intentionally destroying part…
What is a Subsidiary Merger? A subsidiary merger is a type of merger that occurs when the acquiring company uses its subsidiary company to acquire a target company. The acquirer may create a subsidiary company or use one of its existing subsidiary companies to execute the merger and acquisition transaction. In a subsidiary merger, the…
What is a Giffen Good? A Giffen good, a concept commonly used in economics, refers to a good that people consume more as the price rises. Therefore, a Giffen good shows an upward-sloping demand curve and violates the fundamental law of demand. It is important to note that all Giffen goods are inferior goods, but…
