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Review of Financial Studies Vol. 33 No. 7 2020

Innovation Activities and Integration through Vertical Acquisitions

Laurent Frésard1; Gerard Hoberg2; Gordon M. Phillips3

1 Universita della Svizzera italiana (USI), Swiss Finance Institute · 2 Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California , · 3 Tuck School at Dartmouth College and National Bureau of Economic Research

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Abstract

We examine the determinants of vertical acquisitions using product text linked to product vocabulary from input-output tables. We find that the innovation stage is important in understanding vertical integration. R&D-intensive firms are less likely to become targets of vertical acquisitions. In contrast, firms with patented innovation are more likely to sell to vertically related buyers. Firms’ R&D intensity is a more important deterrent to their vertical acquisitions when the provision of innovation incentives by potential acquirers is more difficult. The role of patents in fostering vertical acquisitions is more prevalent when potential buyers face a higher risk of holdup.

DOI
10.1093/rfs/hhz106
Volume
33
Issue
7
Pages
2937-2976
Language
en
Sources
bibtex:phds-export.bib crossref openalex

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