Last Updated December 20, 2024
5 minutes read

Acquisition press release: How to, templates, tips, examples & more

Announcing a company acquisition is a complex task riddled with legal red tape. Here's a guide to help you get it right.

An effective acquisition press release balances clarity, strategic messaging, and timing to ensure your customers, the media, and other stakeholders get the information they need.

In this guide, we're going to look at a step-by-step approach to writing acquisition press releases, and throw in a few practical examples, templates, and tips to help you communicate your message without landing yourself in hot water.

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Publish and share your press release with a free trial of Prezly.
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What is an acquisition press release?

An acquisition press release is an official statement announcing one company’s acquisition of another. It communicates essential details to stakeholders, customers, media, and the public, including the companies involved, the terms of the deal, and the strategic goals behind it.

These announcements highlight the acquisition's benefits, such as market expansion, technological advancements, or improved services. They also help manage public perception and address forward-looking statements about the future of the combined company.

Reasons and benefits of writing an acquisition press release

Inform stakeholders

An acquisition press release ensures stakeholders – employees, shareholders, and customers – are informed about critical details, such as the merger agreement and leadership changes.

Build trust

Transparency through official announcements builds trust, reassuring stakeholders that the boards of directors are acting in the company’s best interest.

Manage public perception

A well-crafted release positively frames the acquisition, highlighting strategic benefits and showcasing the combined company’s potential.

Meet regulatory requirements

For public companies, releasing an acquisition press release is often mandatory to disclose definitive agreements and keep shareholders informed.

Generate media coverage

Compelling acquisition press releases can attract media attention, amplifying the announcement’s reach and impact.

When should you write an acquisition press release?

You should write an acquisition press release as soon as the definitive agreement is signed. Sharing accurate, up-to-date information early helps prevent misinformation or rumors from spreading.

Timely communication is especially important when preparing for special meetings, annual meetings, or meeting of stockholders/meeting of shareholders to discuss the deal.

See also, the best time to send a press release.

How to write an acquisition press release: A step-by-step guide

Step 1: Start with contact information

Include the name, email, and phone number of a press contact or PR agency for follow-up inquiries.

Contacts inserted into a press release with Prezly.
Contacts inserted into a press release with Prezly.
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Step 2: Craft an attention-grabbing headline

As with any press release headline, use clear and engaging language to get the gist of your story across fast, e.g. "Company A Strengthens Industry Leadership with the Acquisition of Company B."

Step 3: Write a compelling lead paragraph

Summarize the key details: the companies involved, the purpose of the acquisition, and its anticipated benefits. Be clear about the facts and don't muddy them up with verbose language or puns (there'll be time for that later).

Step 4: Include leadership quotes

Add press release quotes from executive officers or board members to provide insight into the rationale behind the strategic acquisition.

Step 5: Highlight strategic impact

Explain how the acquisition aligns with long-term goals and other deal fundamentals, such as likelihood of deal completion. Support this with relevant materials and forward-looking statements. Remember to use storytelling for your business to add context and vision to your news.

Example: An acquisition press release

Headline: Hooli Expands Its Global Reach with Strategic Acquisition of Pied Piper

Lead paragraph: Hooli, a monolithic technology company, announced today its acquisition of Pied Piper, a tech startup specializing in data compression. The merger agreement aims to enhance Hooli’s product offerings while accelerating innovation in the tech sector.

Strategic impact: This acquisition strengthens Hooli’s position as a global leader in technology, providing customers with advanced, AI-powered solutions and expanding its market presence.

Quote: "Well, this is big, I guess. Hooli’s got the reach, but it’s not just about acquiring more – it’s about what we can actually do with it. Real innovation, not just flashy promises like some people make," said Richard Hendricks, CEO of Pied Piper. "Sure, it’s a lot of pressure, but we’re focused on quality, not just growing for the sake of it."

Acquisition press release template

[Headline]: [Acquirer Firm Name] Announces Strategic Acquisition of [Target Firm Name]

[Lead paragraph]: [Acquirer Firm Name] today announced its acquisition of [Target Firm Name], a move that [briefly state strategic intent and benefits].

[Body paragraphs]: Include:
- Key details of the acquisition, including dates and terms
- Quotes from leadership teams (both companies)
- Explanation of strategic benefits for any stakeholders

[Closing paragraph]: Add a call to action, such as visiting the website for more information.

[Boilerplate]: Provide background information about both companies.

Simplify press releases with Prezly

Prezly makes it easier to create and distribute acquisition press releases. With tools to design visually engaging press releases and share them with your network, Prezly ensures your announcement reaches the right audience.

Prezly's story editor makes it easy to create and share multimedia press releases.
Prezly's story editor makes it easy to create and share multimedia press releases.
  • Built-in formatting for headings, quotes, and tables
  • Supports all multimedia
  • Publish and send your press release from the same platform
Try Prezly for free today

FAQs

Do companies write their own press releases?

Yes, companies often draft their own press releases, usually handled by in-house PR teams or external agencies. PR tools like Prezly can streamline this process, helping PR professionals create polished, media-ready announcements.

What is the opening sentence of a press release?

The opening sentence should clearly state the purpose of the press release, summarizing the key details of the announcement. For example: "Microsoft today announced its acquisition of Compu Global Hyper Meganet, marking a significant step in its global growth strategy"

Final thoughts

Creating an effective acquisition press release requires clarity, strategy, and attention to detail. By using the tips, templates, and examples provided here, you can confidently share your company’s strategic moves.

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