They would create new shares. If they buy someone for $4bn, they create $4bn in new shares and if the public market values the acquisition at $4bn, the price wi

They would create new shares. If they buy someone for $4bn, they create $4bn in new shares and if the public market values the acquisition at $4bn, the price will remain the same. Usually, companies that acquire pay a premium and will take a dip though.