GREENMAIL

Antitakeover tactic when an unfriendly company obtains a controlling interest by acquiring a huge block of stock. The term applies to mergers and acquisitions, and pertains to the money paid by the target firm to another firm called corporate raider. Greenmail payment is made in its endeavor to stop the takeover bid. The target firm is forced to repurchase the stock at a premium to block the takeover. Also called on voyage bonus or goodbye kiss.