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Journal of Finance Vol. 55 No. 3 2000

Multiple versus Single Banking Relationships: Theory and Evidence

Enrica Detragiache1; Paolo G. Garella2; Luigi Guiso3

1 International Monetary Fund · 2 University of Bologna · 3 Luigi Einaudi Foundation

Abstract

A theory of the optimal number of banking relationships is developed and tested using matched bank‐firm data. According to the theory, relationship banks may be unable to continue funding profitable projects owing to internal problems and a firm may thus have to refinance from nonrelationship banks. The latter, however, face an adverse selection problem, as they do not know the quality of the project, and may refuse to lend. In these circumstances, multiple banking can reduce the probability of an early liquidation of the project. The empirical evidence supports the predictions of the model.

DOI
10.1111/0022-1082.00243
Volume
55
Issue
3
Pages
1133-1161
Language
en
Sources
bibtex:phds-export.bib openalex crossref

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