Indexing Mergers and Acquisitions

Gang, J.; Guo, M.; Hu, N.; Li, X.

Abstract

We measure the efficiency of mergers and acquisitions by putting forward an index (the ‘M&A Index’) based on stochastic frontier analysis. The M&A Index is calculated for each takeover deal and is standardized between 0 and 1. An acquisition with a higher index encompasses higher efficiency. We find that takeover bids with higher M&A Indices are more likely to succeed. Moreover, the M&A Index shows a strong and positive relation with the acquirers’ post-acquisition stock performance in the short run and operating performance in the long run. After constructing three portfolios under a buy-and-hold strategy, we find that efficient portfolios with the highest indices earn higher equity returns and monthly alphas than inefficient portfolios with the lowest indices. Overall, our findings indicate that the M&A Index is positively associated with merger outcomes for acquirers.

Citation

Gang, J., Guo, M., Hu, N., & Li, X. (2018). Indexing Mergers and Acquisitions. Quantitative Finance, 18(6), 1033-1048. https://doi.org/10.1080/14697688.2017.1369145

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 11, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Oct 6, 2017
• Publication Date: 2018
• Deposit Date: Aug 17, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 6, 2019
• Journal: Quantitative Finance
• Print ISSN: 1469-7688
• Electronic ISSN: 1469-7696
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 18
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 1033-1048
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14697688.2017.1369145
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1352244