What is the term for the process when one business purchases another?

The term that best describes the process when one business purchases another is "takeover." A takeover typically involves one company buying a controlling interest in another company, which may lead to the purchasing company gaining operational control over the acquired firm. Takeovers can occur either as friendly transactions, where both parties negotiate and agree on the terms, or as hostile takeovers, where the purchasing company seeks to acquire control against the wishes of the target company's management.

While "merger" refers to the combination of two companies to form a new entity, with both businesses coming together on usually agreed terms, a "takeover" implies one entity is acquiring another and may not necessarily involve a new business structure. "Acquisition" is a similar term often used interchangeably with "takeover," but it can also encompass friendly scenarios where one company grows by purchasing another rather than an aggressive takeover approach. A "joint venture," on the other hand, denotes a cooperative effort where two or more businesses collaborate to undertake a specific project or goal while remaining legally separate.

Thus, "takeover" specifically captures the essence of one business purchasing another and reflects the nuances of the control and ownership dynamics involved in such transactions.