The takeover of one corporation by another. Acquisitions can either be friendly or hostile - friendly being where the acquisition target expresses agreement to the takeover, recognising the mutual benefit, hostile being where share ownership is actively accrued to give the acquirer a majority stake in the target. The acquirer may offer existing shareholders a premium over market value for their stock to encourage them to sell. Acquisitions can form part of a growth strategy where it is more beneficial to acquire another business (in part or whole) rather than grow organically. Purchases are usually made in cash, shares of the acquiring company, or a combination of the two.