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buyout

/ˈbaɪ.aʊt/
IELTSAcademic
noun
  1. 1.

    A buyout is the purchase of a business, part of a business, or another person's share in it. It often means one person or company gains control by paying money for ownership.

    • The company agreed to a buyout.
    • They discussed a buyout of his shares.
    • The board approved the buyout deal.
  2. 2.

    A buyout can also mean a payment that lets someone end a contract, job, or lease early. This use is common in business and legal contexts.

    • She received a contract buyout.
    • The landlord offered a buyout.
    • He accepted a buyout from the club.

Adinary Nuance

A buyout is more specific than purchase. It usually means buying control, shares, or an agreement, not just buying an object. It is also broader than takeover: a takeover focuses on control, while a buyout focuses on the act of paying to gain that control. In business writing, buyout often sounds more precise and financial than everyday words like buying.

In other languages

Vietnamese
mua lại
Spanish
compra total
Chinese
收购
Japanese
買い取り
Korean
인수

Etymology

Buyout comes from the phrasal noun buy out, which became common in business English in the 20th century. It combines buy and out, showing the idea of buying someone out of ownership or an agreement.

Common phrases

management buyoutbuyout dealbuyout offercompany buyout

Synonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

Is buyout used in business English?
Yes. It is common in business, finance, and legal writing.
What is the difference between buyout and takeover?
A takeover is about gaining control. A buyout is the purchase that helps make that happen.
Can buyout mean ending a contract early?
Yes. It can mean paying to leave a contract, job, or lease early.
Is buyout a formal word?
Yes. It is more formal than simple words like buy or purchase.