What encompasses the buying and taking over of another business?

The correct answer to the question is the process of acquisition. This term specifically refers to the act of one company purchasing most or all of another company's shares to gain control of that company. Acquisitions can involve various forms of purchase, including a complete takeover or a minority stake in a company, but fundamentally, it is about gaining control over another business entity.

In the context of business, an acquisition can affect the way the two companies operate, often integrating operations, resources, and management styles. This process can lead to significant changes in the market landscape as well, sometimes enhancing the buyer’s market power, expanding its customer base, or enabling it to enter new markets.

While a merger is an alternative form of business combination, it typically involves two companies agreeing to come together as equal partners, leading to a new entity. Publicity refers to the promotion of the business and is not related to ownership or control over another business. Horizontal integration, while it involves the acquisition of competing businesses to strengthen market position, is a specific type of acquisition and does not encompass the full range of acquisition types. Hence, acquisition accurately describes the broad spectrum of buying and taking over another business.