KILLER BEES

An investment banker or a firm that supports a company against any takeover attempt, making it more difficult or less attractive to acquire. Called killer bees, it employs defensive measures such as shark repellents to keep a hostile takeover from coming. The company will use its other tactics to deter or avoid such attempts.

Other techniques to fend off takeover are the following: white knight, a more friendly approach of acquiring the company willing to enter the bidding arena; standstill agreement, a negotiated arrangement that limits the takeover company's holding in the target company; Pacman defense, target company creates a takeover bid for the stock of the bidding company; and litigation, which delays a takeover.