The correct answer is "purchase consideration". This refers to the amount paid by the acquiring company to the target company in exchange for the ownership of the target company's shares or assets. It can take the form of cash, shares, or a combination of both, and is typically negotiated as part of the merger or acquisition process. The purchase consideration reflects the value of the target company as determined by the acquiring company and is often influenced by factors such as market conditions, the target company's financial performance, and strategic considerations.