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Business
White Knight
A friendly company that rescues a target from a hostile takeover by making a better offer.
A white knight usually offers better terms or a more compatible strategic fit. The target company's board often prefers a white knight because it preserves more value and jobs. The opposite is a black knight (hostile bidder).
It's the hero who rides in at the last minute to save the company from an unwanted buyer.
Real world: When Microsoft made a hostile approach to LinkedIn, many expected a white knight. In the end LinkedIn accepted Microsoft's friendly offer, but the term is still used when a third party intervenes.
💡 A white knight can save a company from an unwanted takeover — but it still means the company gets bought.