A hostile takeover occurs when one company, known as the acquirer, attempts to gain control of another company, referred to as the target, without the consent of the target's management. This often involves purchasing a significant number of shares directly from shareholders or making a tender offer, which can lead to a change in ownership despite opposition from the target's board. These takeovers can create tension and conflict, as the target company may employ various strategies to resist the acquisition, such as implementing a poison pill strategy or seeking a white knight. Hostile takeovers are often seen in the context of corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions.