Buyout

"Buyout" is another term for "acquisition."

The new, combined company can expand their geographic area, acquire new customers, or even eliminate a competitor. In a leveraged buyout, the acquiring company can use the targeted company’s cash or issue more stock in order to pay for the purchase.

Buyouts may be friendly or hostile, but the ultimate decision as to whether or not a company is acquired...lies with the shareholders. Remember that it's the common shareholders who elect the board of directors, who then serve as adult supervision in the process.