Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Antitakeover statute: A law made by a state to help protect companies in that state from being taken over by other companies that they don't want to be taken over by.
An antitakeover statute is a law created by a state to protect companies based in that state from hostile takeovers. This law makes it difficult for a company to be taken over by another company without the approval of the board of directors or shareholders.
For example, in Delaware, a popular state for incorporating businesses, there is an antitakeover statute called the Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute. This law allows a company's board of directors to adopt measures to prevent a hostile takeover, such as issuing new shares of stock or implementing a "poison pill" provision.
Another example is the Pennsylvania Control Share Acquisition Act, which requires a shareholder to obtain approval from a majority of the company's shareholders before acquiring a certain percentage of the company's shares.
These examples illustrate how antitakeover statutes can provide protection for companies against hostile takeovers, giving them more control over their own fate and preventing unwanted changes in ownership or management.