gray knight


Gray knight

In a merger or acquisition, a gray knight is an acquiring company that outbids a white knight in pursuit of its own best interests, although it is friendlier than a hostile bidder.

Gray Knight

A company that outbids a white knight in a friendly acquisition. A gray knight is not after a hostile takeover, but does serve its own interests, as opposed to those of the target company. Often, a gray knight makes an unsolicited bid for the target company after the initial, friendly bid. The management of the target company prefers a gray knight to a black knight, but, of course, would most prefer to be acquired by a white knight.

gray knight

A company, neither friendly nor hostile, that outbids another firm in an acquisition attempt.