• A bear hug is an informal offer to acquire a company at a premium to the market price of its shares, made public without the consent of its board.

  • Bear hugs rely on the fact that the shareholders of the company will put pressure on the board to accept the proposed terms or start negotiations with the offeror.
  • If the target company refuses to accept the bear hug, it risks being prosecuted or challenged in board elections.
  • Without a tender offer for outstanding shares, a bear hug is no guarantee that a bidder will buy the company at the stated price.