Relationship between Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions and International Trade: The Case of Russian Pharmaceutical Industry

This research studies the relationship of cross-border mergers and acquisitions to international trade through the lens of Russian pharmaceutical market. To this aim, the study analyses the woks of foreign economists dedicated to evaluating the link between foreign direct investment and international trade, and the influence of mergers and acquisitions on countries’ export and import flows. The research also presents a correlation analysis between the volume of Russian pharmaceutical exports and imports and cross-border deals performed by foreign pharmaceutical companies in Russia. We characterize these deals and conduct a comparative analysis of the regional structure of Russian pharmaceutical exports and imports as well as of the countries of origin of buyers in cross-border mergers and acquisitions. The results of the analysis indicate a positive relationship between cross-border mergers and acquisitions and Russian pharmaceutical exports, which is reflected in the export volume growth and its geographical diversification. However, it is outlined that particular problems of the industry hinder the amelioration of Russian positions in international exports. Similarly, the relationship between cross-border deals and Russian imports is positive: the major pharmaceutical products supply flow occurs from the countries of origin of buyers in cross-border mergers and acquisitions conducted in the Russian pharmaceutical sector.