Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: classification of patents
A white knight is someone or a company that helps protect another company from being taken over by a hostile company. They do this by buying a controlling interest in the company or by making a competing offer. This is also called a friendly suitor. It is the opposite of a corporate raider.
Definition: A white knight is a person or company that saves another company from being taken over by an unfriendly corporate raider. This can be done by buying a controlling interest in the target company or by making a competing offer.
Example: When Company A was in danger of being taken over by a corporate raider, Company B stepped in as a white knight and made a competing offer to acquire Company A. This allowed Company A to remain independent and avoid being taken over by the unfriendly corporate raider.
Explanation: The example illustrates how a white knight can rescue a company from being taken over by an unfriendly corporate raider. In this case, Company B acted as a friendly suitor and made a competing offer to acquire Company A, which allowed Company A to remain independent and avoid being taken over by the unfriendly corporate raider.