A takeover in business refers to one company (the acquirer, or bidder) purchasing another (the target). In the UK the term properly refers to the acquisition of a public company whose shares are listed on a stock exchange, in contrast to the acquisition of a private company.==Friendly and hostile takeovers==When a bidder makes an offer for another company, it will usually inform the board of the target beforehand. If the board feels that the offer is such that the shareholders will be best served by accepting, it will recommend the offer be accepted by the shareholders. A takeover would be considered "hostile" if (1) the board rejects the offer, but the bidder continues to pursue it, or (2) if the bidder makes the offer without informing the board beforehand.The main consequence of a bid being considered hostile is practical rather than legal. If the board of the target cooperates, the bidder will be able to conduct extensive due diligence into the affairs of the target company. It wi