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This dissertation was written as part of the LLM in Transnational and European Commercial Law, Banking Law, Arbitration/Mediation at the International Hellenic University. The growth and development of companies is often based on complex strategies such as mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Through these transactions, companies strengthen and consolidate their position against their competitors, increase their share prices and generate higher returns for their shareholders. They also enable companies to expand both in their normal activities and in new business areas. In addition, mergers and acquisitions create corporate entities that can operate not only on a national but also on an international level. However, the acquisition or the merger plan is not always accepted by both sides. Thus, depending on the agreement or disagreement of the target company's managerial bodies, mergers and acquisitions can be divided into friendly and hostile. This dissertation examines the reasons why companies engage in M&As, the role of corporate law in these transactions, the means and tactics used by the acquiring company in a hostile takeover and the takeover bid methods. Furthermore, the defences of the target company against hostile takeovers are highlighted and, finally, some examples on both friendly and hostile takeovers in Greece and internationally are presented.