← All deal types

How deals happen

A straightforward acquisition

The most common deal type of all, explained step by step — one company simply buys another.

Step 1 of 6

Meet the players

The simplest deal type: a buyer company, and a target company willing to be bought.

This is a simplified illustration of how a straightforward acquisition typically works, not a description of any specific real transaction — real deals vary in structure. For real examples, read the daily issues.