greenmail

/ˌgrinˈmeɪl/
IPA guide

Definitions of greenmail
  1. noun
    (corporation) the practice of purchasing enough shares in a firm to threaten a takeover and thereby forcing the owners to buy those shares back at a premium in order to stay in business
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    type of:
    porcupine provision, shark repellent
    a measure undertaken by a corporation to discourage unwanted takeover attempts
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