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Bayer, a German chemical conglomerate, wanted to acquire Monsanto, a U$.$S$.$ seed and agrichemicals firm. Although Monsanto's executives didn't like the idea and the board of Monsanto rejected Bayer's offers, Bayer kept making better offers and even appealed directly to Monsanto stockholders. Bayer's attempts to acquire Monsanto suggest a$($n$)$

a$.$ leveraged buyout

b$.$ hostile takeover

c$.$ horizontal merger

d$.$ vertical takeover

e$.$ friendly acquisition