An acquisition occurs when one company takes effective control of another company through purchase of assets or management control, without merging the companies. Acquisitions can increase market share, speed to market for new products, diversification, and avoid excessive competition. However, acquisitions also carry risks like inadequate target valuation, inability to achieve synergies, and taking on large debts to finance the acquisition. There are different forms of acquisitions including mergers, stock acquisitions, and asset acquisitions.