Benchmarking is the practice of comparing business processes and performance metrics to

industry bests and best practices from other companies. Dimensions typically measured are
quality, time and cost. Benchmarking is used to measure performance using a
specific indicator resulting in a metric of performance that is then compared to others

An acquisition is the purchase of one business or company by another company or other

business entity. Specific acquisition targets can be identified through myriad avenues
including market research, trade expos, sent up from internal business units, or supply chain
analysis. Such purchase may be of 100%, or nearly 100%, of the assets or ownership equity
of the acquired entity. Consolidation/amalgamation occurs when two companies combine
to form a new enterprise altogether, and neither of the previous companies remains
independently. Acquisitions are divided into "private" and "public" acquisitions, depending
on whether the acquiree or merging company (also termed a target) is or is not listed on
a public stock market. Some public companies rely on acquisitions as an important value
creation strategy. An additional dimension or categorization consists of whether an
acquisition is friendly or hostile.

An acquisition is when one company purchases most or all of another company's shares to
gain control of that company. Purchasing more than 50% of a target firm's stock and other
assets allows the acquirer to make decisions about the newly acquired assets without the
approval of the company’s shareholders. Acquisitions, which are very common in business,
may occur with the target company's approval, or in spite of its disapproval. With approval,
there is often a no-shop clause during the process.