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Journal of Political Economy Vol. 98 No. 2 1990

Do Bad Bidders Become Good Targets?

Mark L. Mitchell1; Kenneth Lehn2

1 Clemson University · 2 Office of the Chief Scientist

Abstract

This paper empirically examines one motive for takeovers: to change control of firms that make acquisitions that diminish the value of their equity. Firms that subsequently become takeover targets make acquisitions that significantly reduce their equity value, and firms that do not become takeover targets make acquisitions that raise their equity value. Within the sample of acquisitions by targets, the acquisitions that reduce equity value the most are those that are later divested either in bust-up takeovers or restructuring programs to thwart the takeover. This evidence is consistent with theories advanced by Robin Marris (1963), Henry G. Manne (1965), and Michael C. Jensen (1986) concerning the disciplinary role played by takeovers.

DOI
10.1086/261682
Volume
98
Issue
2
Pages
372-398
Language
en
Sources
openalex crossref

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