divestiture
noun
di·ves·ti·ture
dī-ˈve-stə-ˌchu̇r 
-chər,
də-,
chiefly Southern -t(y)u̇(ə)r
1
: the act of divesting
2
: the compulsory transfer of title or disposal of interests (such as stock in a corporation) upon government order
Examples of divestiture in a Sentence
Divestitures are used to break up monopolies.
Before divestiture, the telephone company monopolized the state.
Recent Examples on the Web
The company has been in active discussions with the Trump administration, exploring potential alternatives to a full divestiture.
—
Esat Dedezade, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Sure, there’s the potential for another $3 per share for Walgreens shareholders if future divestitures pan out well, but the bottom line is many shareholders will be asked to vote to cement losses that for now are just on paper.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
Even recent $3 billion divestitures, originally intended for debt reduction or shareholder returns, were quickly offset by new acquisitions.
—Joe Cornell, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
The company also expects comparable earnings per share will rise 2% to 3%, which includes a 6% to 7% headwind from currency exchange and a slight headwind from acquisitions, divestitures and structural changes.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for divestiture
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Esat Dedezade, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Sure, there’s the potential for another $3 per share for Walgreens shareholders if future divestitures pan out well, but the bottom line is many shareholders will be asked to vote to cement losses that for now are just on paper.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
Even recent $3 billion divestitures, originally intended for debt reduction or shareholder returns, were quickly offset by new acquisitions.
—Joe Cornell, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
The company also expects comparable earnings per share will rise 2% to 3%, which includes a 6% to 7% headwind from currency exchange and a slight headwind from acquisitions, divestitures and structural changes.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for divestiture
Cite this Entry
“Divestiture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divestiture. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
divestiture
noun
di·ves·ti·ture
dī-ˈves-ti-ˌchu̇r, də-, -chər
1
: the sale or transfer of title to a property (as an operating division) under court order (as in bankruptcy)
2
: the sale of an asset (as a business division) that is unprofitable, does not enhance a corporate restructuring, or is felt to be morally reprehensible
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