A company acquisition is a business transaction in which one company purchases a majority of another company's shares in order to gain effective control of that company. Generally, if one company buys more than 50% of another company’s stock and/or assets, they become the controlling shareholder of the company in question.

Business acquisitions are executed in a variety of ways, with the most common being a friendly acquisition or bid involving the use of an investment bank. Other methods of acquisition include hostile takeovers, in which one company attempts to acquire another via threats of legal action or by purchasing large blocks of their shareholding. In some cases, mergers take place, creating a new entity from two separate companies.

No matter the method, an acquisition is a complex and legally binding agreement with various tax and financial ramifications. For this reason, the advice of legal and financial experts is usually sought to ensure all parties involved understand the various implications of the transaction. Depending on the size and scope of the acquisition, a company may need to involve a large number of consultants and advisors to effectively manage the process.

To successfully complete an acquisition, it is important to have an accurate understanding of the target company's assets, liabilities and/or debt, as well as its current and potential market value. Companies often hire evaluators and financial experts to ensure they are aware of the current value of the company or the value of their potential acquisition. Acquisitions can also involve significant upfront investments and complex negotiations.

Acquisition activity can be seen as a sign of confidence in the financial markets and can be an effective way for companies to grow and increase their market share. An acquisition can also enable the company to gain a greater foothold in the industry and make advances in the development of innovative products and services. On the downside, acquisitions can be risky and prone to failure if the target company is not valued correctly. Additionally, cultural clashes may arise if the two companies have markedly different approaches to management and operations.

Overall, acquisitions can bring financial and strategic benefits to a business, but they are also complex and unpredictable. Companies should seek expert advice to ensure they fully understand the potential risks and rewards before entering into any acquisition.