A hostile takeover occurs when one company, known as the acquirer, attempts to gain control of another company, referred to as the target, against the wishes of the target's management. This is typically achieved by purchasing a significant number of the target's shares on the open market or through a tender offer, where the acquirer directly solicits shareholders to sell their shares. In a hostile takeover, the acquirer may believe that the target company is undervalued or poorly managed. The target's management often resists the takeover, leading to a conflict between the two companies. This situation can result in legal battles and strategic maneuvers as both sides try to assert their interests.