A reverse triangular merger is a type of acquisition structure in which the acquiring company forms a new subsidiary with which to acquire the target company. The subsidiary, known as the ‘merger subsidiary’, merges with the target company, allowing the target to survive the merger process as a continuing entity. The result is that the target company becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of the acquiring company.
Note that a reverse triangular merger and a reverse subsidiary merger are the same thing.
Advantages of a Reverse Triangular Merger
Reverse triangular mergers comprise the majority of public company mergers. Beyond that, their popularity has recently surged thanks to the SPAC (special purpose acquisition company) phenomenon, most of which employ the technique. This pervasiveness is understandable given the number of key benefits the method provides: