Which term refers to a firm that purchases another firm?

The term "predator" refers to a firm that purchases another firm, often in the context of mergers and acquisitions. In business terminology, a predator typically describes an aggressive acquirer who seeks to take over another company to expand its market presence, increase its competitive edge, or obtain strategic assets. This can involve acquiring a smaller firm, which may be struggling, allowing the predator firm to utilize its resources or intellectual property effectively.

In contrast, "equity" pertains to ownership interest in a business, which includes stocks and shares, but doesn't specifically denote the act of purchasing another firm. "Partnership" describes a business structure where two or more individuals share ownership and profits, but it does not illustrate the concept of one firm acquiring another. "Franchise" involves a business model where one party licenses the use of its brand and operational methods to another, which also does not connect directly to the act of one firm purchasing another. Therefore, "predator" is the term that most accurately captures the action of a firm acquiring another firm.