Just Say No Defense

And the kindly, loving private equity gal says, "Wanna get taken over?" And then the even more kindly, loving company target person says, "Ummmmm...no." 

That's the anti-hostile-takeover "just say no" defense, and it is a reflection of that other kindly, loving lady, Nancy Reagan, best-dressed White House #2 in history. (Her advice to angry teens with low self-esteem when they were pressured to take drugs was to, um...just say no. Luckily, that worked and drugs are no longer a problem in America.*)

In reality, most investors don't want to have to go hostile when taking over a company—not because they are...nice. But because being hostile usually costs more money, creates employee friction with disparate loyalties, and ends up being a drag on investment returns. So just saying "no" often scares off suitors and the conversation is over quickly. 

*Denotes sarcasm.