Well, what a surprise. BA have being doing this for years, from right back when they were known as BOAC.
Take over a competitor, suss out the operation, work out how to change the operation to fit the BA business model, get rid of the people you don't need (asset strip) take over the routes you want, and voila!
If BA take you over either find a job somewhere else quick, or get shafted. Your choice, but they are the kiss of death and have been since Pontious was a pilot.