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Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis Vol. 52 No. 2 2017

Policy Uncertainty and Mergers and Acquisitions

Nam H. Nguyen1,2; Hieu V. Phan1,2

1 University of Massachusetts Lowell · 2 Université du Québec à Montréal

Abstract

This research examines the relationship between policy uncertainty and mergers and acquisitions (M&As). We find that policy uncertainty is negatively related to firm acquisitiveness and positively related to the time it takes to complete M&A deals. In addition, policy uncertainty motivates acquirers to use stock for payment and to pay lower bid premiums. Acquirers, on average, create larger shareholder value from M&A deals undertaken during periods of high policy uncertainty, which is attributable to their prudence as well as the wealth transfer from the financially constrained targets to acquirers.

DOI
10.1017/s0022109017000175
Volume
52
Issue
2
Pages
613-644
Language
en
Sources
openalex bibtex:phds-export.bib crossref

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