(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbarians_at_the_Gate)
This sort of acquisition is typically called an LBO or Leveraged Buy Out. The story gets into the details of key figures involved, including Henry Kravis who people today would better know for his private equity firm KKR.
Basic formula is raise cash using junk bonds, buy company, fix up company or kill off costs, use money company earns to pay debt, sell company. Since you have leveraged, your payout can be large.
It's a similar style financing activity to a house flipper. example: buy house for 1M, but pay $200K + 800K debt (mortgage). Fix up house, sell for $1.2M. Pay off $800K debt. You're left with $400K, or 100% return!