The sale is a pre-emptive strike to appease competition regulators in Brussels, who have the power to block the takeover.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The resulting fear of attack will encourage the neighbours to pre-emptive strikes, which will in turn tempt the first group to strike against them and so on.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
They hastily organised a pre-emptive strike.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)