Poison pill meaning

A poison pill is a defensive strategy used by companies to deter hostile takeovers by making the target company less attractive to the acquiring company.


Poison pill definitions

Word backwards nosiop llip
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "poison pill" is a noun.
Syllabic division poi-son pill
Plural The plural of the word poison pill is poison pills.
Total letters 10
Vogais (2) o,i
Consonants (4) p,s,n,l

When a company implements a poison pill strategy, it is essentially taking measures to prevent a hostile takeover. This defensive tactic involves issuing shareholders the right to purchase additional shares at a discount if a potential acquirer buys a significant amount of the company's stock.

How Poison Pill Works

The poison pill is triggered when a certain percentage of shares is acquired by an individual or group. This move dilutes the value of the company's stock, making the takeover more expensive and less desirable for the acquirer. By implementing this strategy, the company's board of directors aims to protect the interests of shareholders and maintain control of the organization.

Types of Poison Pills

There are different variations of poison pill mechanisms, such as flip-in and flip-over plans. Flip-in plans allow existing shareholders to buy more shares at a discount, while flip-over plans enable shareholders of the acquiring company to purchase shares in the target company after the merger. These tactics are designed to complicate the acquisition process and deter potential takeovers.

Benefits and Drawbacks

One of the main advantages of a poison pill is that it gives the company's board time to assess the situation and explore alternative options if faced with a hostile takeover. However, critics argue that poison pills can entrench management and reduce accountability to shareholders, potentially harming long-term shareholder value.

In conclusion, a poison pill can be a powerful tool for companies seeking to protect themselves from hostile takeovers. However, it is essential for organizations to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of this strategy carefully before implementing it, considering both short-term defense and long-term implications for their shareholders.


Poison pill Examples

  1. The company implemented a poison pill strategy to deter a hostile takeover.
  2. Investors were concerned about the potential use of a poison pill by the board of directors.
  3. The poison pill provision was triggered when a certain percentage of shares were acquired by an outside party.
  4. Shareholders were divided on the effectiveness of the poison pill in protecting their interests.
  5. Opponents of the poison pill argued that it unfairly limited their ability to sell their shares.
  6. The poison pill defense was intended to give the company more time to negotiate a better deal.
  7. Some investors believed that the poison pill was a necessary measure to preserve the company's value.
  8. The poison pill strategy was designed to discourage unsolicited takeover bids.
  9. The board of directors decided to adopt a poison pill plan after careful consideration of their options.
  10. A poison pill can be a double-edged sword, providing protection but also potentially alienating investors.


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  • Updated 11/06/2024 - 20:55:31