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That’s what the researchers think happened with the killer bees.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'killer bee.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of killer bee
1976
Financial Definition of KILLER BEE
killer bee
What It Is
Killer bees are people or companies that help other companies avoid takeovers.
How It Works
Let's assume that Company ABC wants to purchase Company XYZ. Company XYZ's board does not want to sell the company to Company ABC, but Company ABC is threatening a hostile takeover.
Company XYZ calls its investment bank, which acts as a killer bee and devises a few methods to ward off Company ABC. It comes up with the Pac-Man defense and the Jonestown defense, which you can read about in the InvestingAnswers.com dictionary. The killer bee helps Company XYZ amend its corporate charter and implement the anti-takeover defenses. Company ABC calls off its acquisition efforts.
Why It Matters
Killer bees can save the day for shareholders of targets. By devising ways to defend companies from takeovers, they can cost potential acquirers millions of dollars by implementing changes that force acquirers to pay more or dilute the acquirer's holdings.
The term gets its name from a type of bee that aggressively attacks perceived threats.
Source: Investing Answers
KILLER BEE Defined for English Language Learners
killer bee
Definition of killer bee for English Language Learners
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: a dangerous type of bee that is originally from Africa
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about killer bee
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See words that rhyme with killer bee Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about killer bee
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