Home > Glossary > Bolt on acquisition

Bolt-On Acquisition

A bolt-on acquisition refers to the process where a company purchases another company to complement or enhance its existing operations, often in the same industry or a closely related one. Bolt-on acquisitions are typically smaller, strategic buys that allow the acquiring company to expand its market reach, add new products or services, gain access to new technologies, or achieve operational synergies. These acquisitions are seen as a way to accelerate growth and strengthen the company’s market position without the complexity and risk associated with larger mergers or acquisitions.

Example

A large pharmaceutical company might make a bolt-on acquisition of a smaller biotech firm to gain access to its innovative drug pipeline, thereby enhancing its product offerings.

Key points

• Involves acquiring a smaller company to complement or enhance existing operations.

• Often used to expand market reach, add products, or achieve synergies.

• Typically smaller and less risky than large-scale mergers.

Quick Answers to Curious Questions

To strategically enhance their existing operations, expand market reach, add complementary products, or achieve cost and operational synergies.

A bolt-on acquisition is usually smaller and less complex, focusing on complementing existing operations rather than creating a new entity or merging equals.

It allows the acquiring company to quickly expand its capabilities, enter new markets, or gain competitive advantages with relatively low risk.