Flip-Over Strategy

A defensive measure that a target company can use to deter hostile takeovers.

Author: Manu Lakshmanan
Manu Lakshmanan
Manu Lakshmanan
Management Consulting | Strategy & Operations

Prior to accepting a position as the Director of Operations Strategy at DJO Global, Manu was a management consultant with McKinsey & Company in Houston. He served clients, including presenting directly to C-level executives, in digital, strategy, M&A, and operations projects.

Manu holds a PHD in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University and a BA in Physics from Cornell University.

Reviewed By: David Bickerton
David Bickerton
David Bickerton
Asset Management | Financial Analysis

Previously a Portfolio Manager for MDH Investment Management, David has been with the firm for nearly a decade, serving as President since 2015. He has extensive experience in wealth management, investments and portfolio management.

David holds a BS from Miami University in Finance.

Last Updated:December 23, 2023

What is the Flip-over Strategy?

In the world of corporate finance, the flip-over-poison pill strategy is a defensive measure that a target company can use to deter hostile takeovers.

Flip Over Strategy involves issuing new shares of stock to existing shareholders, which can dilute the ownership stake of any potential acquirer and make the target company less attractive as an acquisition target. 

The flip-over poison pill strategy can be controversial, as it can limit potential acquirers' ability to bid for the target company. Still, it can also be an effective way to protect the interests of shareholders and maintain the independence of the target company.

The basic premise of a flip-over poison pill strategy is that it enables the target company to change the terms of an acquisition offer unfavorable to the acquirer. 

The flip-over method might make it more difficult for the acquisition to assume control of the firm and perhaps compel unwelcome changes to the company's operations or structure by reducing the acquirer's ownership interest in the target company.

For example, the strategy can be viewed as an unfair tactic by potential acquirers, and it can limit the ability of shareholders to receive a premium price for their shares in the event of an acquisition. 

Additionally, the strategy can make the target company less attractive to potential acquirers, which can limit the ability of the company to sell itself in the future.

Despite these potential drawbacks, the flip-over poison pill strategy can be an effective tool for target companies looking to maintain their independence and protect the interests of their shareholders. 

By increasing bargaining power, deterring unwanted acquisitions, protecting against short-term investors, and increasing strategic flexibility, companies can potentially increase their long-term success and maintain their independence. 

Note

It's important to carefully consider the potential risks and drawbacks of implementing a flip-over poison pill strategy and alternative strategies that may be more suitable for the company's specific situation.

The flip-over poison pill strategy is a controversial but potentially effective tool for target companies in corporate finance. 

By issuing new shares of stock to existing shareholders, companies can deter hostile takeovers and maintain their independence while potentially increasing shareholder value and strategic flexibility. 

However, it's important to weigh this strategy's potential risks and drawbacks and carefully consider alternative approaches to defending against hostile takeovers.

Key Takeaways

  • The flip-over strategy can be used as a poison pill defense to deter potential hostile acquirers.
  • The target firm may lose appeal to prospective acquirers willing to buy the company for a lesser price if a large amount of debt is issued to finance the purchase.
  • Using this strategy might harm the target company's credit rating and financial performance, and there may be potential legal or regulatory issues.
  • Companies should carefully evaluate their options before implementing any poison pill defense strategy and consider seeking advice from legal and financial professionals.

Effects of Flip-Over Strategy as a Poison Pill

While the flip-over strategy can positively affect corporate finance, it can also be used as a poison pill to deter hostile takeovers or unwanted acquisitions.

The poison pill strategy involves implementing measures that make the target company less attractive to potential acquirers, such as issuing new shares or implementing anti-takeover provisions. In this article, we will explore the effects of the flip-over strategy as a poison pill in corporate finance.

1. Firstly, it can discourage hostile takeovers. By flipping over their business model, companies can make themselves less attractive to potential acquirers interested in the company for its existing business model or assets. 

For example, a company that flips from a manufacturing company to a service company may no longer be attractive to a potential acquirer interested in its manufacturing capabilities.

2. Secondly, it can increase the acquisition cost. For example, suppose a company implements a flip-over strategy as a poison pill. In that case, reducing the target company's value or increasing expenses may make the acquisition more expensive for the acquirer.

This can make the acquisition less attractive to the acquirer and may deter them from pursuing the target company. In this case, switching from a successful to a less profitable business model might decrease the target company's value and raise its costs, increasing the purchase cost.

Note

It's important to note that the flip-over strategy as a poison pill can also negatively affect the target company. 

3. Thirdly, it can prolong the acquisition process. If a company implements it, the acquisition process may be more difficult or time-consuming for the acquirer. 

This can prolong the process and make it less attractive to the acquirer, who may be interested in a quicker and more straightforward acquisition.

By implementing measures that make the company less attractive to potential acquirers, the company may also make itself less attractive to investors and stakeholders. This can reduce the company's value and harm its long-term prospects.

In the case of a hostile takeover attempt, for instance, they can think about enacting shareholder rights plans that enable owners to buy extra shares at a discount. This can help to protect the company from unwanted acquisitions while preserving its long-term value and prospects.

The flip-over strategy can be used as a poison pill in corporate finance to deter hostile takeovers and unwanted acquisitions. 

Companies should carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of implementing a flip-over strategy as a poison pill and consider alternative strategies that are less harmful to their long-term prospects.

Advantages of Flip-Over Strategy

The flip-over poison pill strategy is a corporate finance strategy that can be used to deter hostile takeovers by making a target company less attractive to potential acquirers. 

While this strategy can have some drawbacks, there are also several advantages to implementing a flip-over poison pill strategy.

Increases Bargaining Power

One of the primary advantages is that it can increase the target company's bargaining power in negotiations with potential acquirers. 

The target firm can use a flip-over strategy to make itself less appealing to potential acquirers, which may encourage the acquirer to agree to terms that are more favorable to the target company. 

This may boost the target company's negotiation leverage and raise the prospect of a favorable outcome.

Deters Unwanted Acquisitions

It can deter unwanted acquisitions by making the target company less attractive to potential acquirers. 

This can be very helpful when the target firm is unwilling to be bought or when the acquisition might impair the target company's operations or business. 

Note

By implementing a flip-over poison pill strategy, the target company can reduce the likelihood of an unwanted acquisition and maintain its independence.

Increases Shareholder Value

Implementing this strategy can also increase shareholder value in some cases. 

For example, suppose a company flips over to a new business model that is more profitable or that better aligns with shareholder interests. In that case, this can increase the company's value and benefit its shareholders. 

Additionally, by deterring unwanted acquisitions, the company can maintain its independence and potentially increase shareholder value over the long term.

Protects Against Short-Term Investors

It can protect against short-term investors who may be interested in acquiring the company solely for short-term gains. 

By implementing the strategy, the company can make itself less attractive to these types of investors and deter them from acquiring the company. 

Note

This can help to ensure that the company is not subject to short-term pressures that may be detrimental to its long-term success.

Increases Strategic Flexibility

Implementing the strategy can also increase a company's strategic flexibility. 

By flipping over to a new business model or restructuring the company in some way, the company can potentially increase its competitive advantage and adapt to changing market conditions more easily. 

This can help to position the company for long-term success and increase its overall value. The strategy can have several advantages for target companies in corporate finance. 

Companies can potentially increase their long-term success and maintain their independence by increasing bargaining power, deterring unwanted acquisitions, increasing shareholder value, protecting against short-term investors, and increasing strategic flexibility. 

Note

It's important to consider the potential risks and drawbacks of implementing a flip-over poison pill strategy and alternative strategies that may suit the company's specific situation.

Disadvantages of Flip-over strategy

The flip-over poison pill strategy is a defensive tactic companies use to deter hostile takeovers and maintain their independence. While it can be an effective tool for target companies, it also has several potential disadvantages that must be carefully considered.

The disadvantages of the Flip-Over Poison Pill Strategy are

Limitation On Premium Price For Shareholders

One of the main disadvantages is that it can limit the ability of shareholders to receive a premium price for their shares in the event of an acquisition. 

By diluting the ownership stake of potential acquirers, the target company may discourage potential bids, resulting in lower acquisition offers.

Viewed As An Unfair Tactic

It can be viewed as an unfair tactic by potential acquirers. This can create tension between the target company and potential acquirers, potentially leading to negative consequences such as legal battles or hostile takeovers.

Costly To Implement

Another potential disadvantage of the flip-over poison pill strategy is that it can be costly. For example, it can be difficult and time-consuming to issue new shares of stock to current owners or to establish a new class of stock, both of which call for legal and financial competence. 

The tactic may also dilute earnings per share, lowering existing shares' total value and undermining the company's standing with investors.

Limitations On Strategic Transactions

The flip-over poison pill strategy can limit the ability of the target company to engage in strategic transactions, such as mergers or acquisitions, without triggering the poison pill provision. 

This can limit the company's ability to pursue strategic opportunities that could benefit its shareholders in the long run.

Discourages Long-Term Investors

The flip-over poison pill strategy can discourage potential long-term investors who may view the strategy as a sign of poor governance or management. This may restrict the company's capacity to draw in fresh capital, harming long-term shareholder value.

Flip Over Strategy FAQs

Researched and authored by Naman Jain | LinkedIn

Reviewed and edited by Parul GuptaLinkedIn

Free Resources

To continue learning and advancing your career, check out these additional helpful  WSO resources: