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The value of “boutique” financial advisors in mergers and acquisitions

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  • Song, Weihong
  • Wei, Jie (Diana)
  • Zhou, Lei

Abstract

Between 1995 and 2006 about a quarter of merging firms hired boutique banks as their advisors on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Boutique advisors, often specialized by industry, are generally smaller and more independent than full-service banks. This paper investigates firms' choice between boutique and full-service advisors and the impact of advisor choice on deal outcomes. We find that both acquirers and targets are more likely to choose boutique advisors in complex deals, suggesting that boutique advisors are chosen for their skill and expertise. After controlling for the endogenous choice of advisors, we find lower deal premiums when acquirers hire boutique advisors. In addition, boutique advisors spend more time, probably on due diligence and negotiation, to complete deals. Overall, our findings suggest that boutique advisors are chosen in more complex deals and they achieve more favorable deal outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Song, Weihong & Wei, Jie (Diana) & Zhou, Lei, 2013. "The value of “boutique” financial advisors in mergers and acquisitions," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 20(C), pages 94-114.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:corfin:v:20:y:2013:i:c:p:94-114
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2012.12.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Chuang, Kai-Shi, 2017. "Corporate life cycle, investment banks and shareholder wealth in M&As," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 122-134.
    4. Bi, XiaoGang & Wang, Danni, 2018. "Top-tier financial advisors, expropriation and Chinese mergers & acquisitions," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 157-166.
    5. Graham, Michael & Walter, Terry S. & Yawson, Alfred & Zhang, Huizhong, 2017. "The value-added role of industry specialist advisors in M&As," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 81-104.
    6. Kura, Michal & Plonka, Aleksandra, 2023. "Bank Butikowy – Nowy Model Biznesowy Szansą Dla Banków Spółdzielczych?," Roczniki (Annals), Polish Association of Agricultural Economists and Agribusiness - Stowarzyszenie Ekonomistow Rolnictwa e Agrobiznesu (SERiA), vol. 2023(1).
    7. Chang, Xin & Shekhar, Chander & Tam, Lewis H.K. & Yao, Jiaquan, 2016. "The information role of advisors in mergers and acquisitions: Evidence from acquirers hiring targets’ ex-advisors," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 247-264.
    8. Leonidas G. Barbopoulos & Jo Danbolt, 2021. "The real effects of earnout contracts in M&As," Journal of Financial Research, Southern Finance Association;Southwestern Finance Association, vol. 44(3), pages 607-639, September.
    9. Kai-Shi Chuang, 2017. "The role of investment banks on the impact of firm performance in mergers and acquisitions: evidence from the Asia-Pacific market," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 48(3), pages 677-699, April.
    10. Huang, Qiongyu & Zhang, Ruiyao & Li, Siyao & Li, Jingjing & Yao, Qiong, 2024. "The role of financial advisorʼs industry expertise in M&A quality: Evidence from goodwill impairment," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 89(PB), pages 216-231.
    11. Morkoetter, Stefan & Wetzer, Thomas, 2015. "Conflicts of Interest and the Role of Financial Advisors in M&A Transactions: Empirical Evidence from the Private Equity Industry," Working Papers on Finance 1515, University of St. Gallen, School of Finance, revised Apr 2017.
    12. Marcelo Daniel Araújo Ermel & Roy Martelanc, 2018. "Motivations and Consequences of Advisor Participation in Mergers and Acquisitions," RAC - Revista de Administração Contemporânea (Journal of Contemporary Administration), ANPAD - Associação Nacional de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Administração, vol. 22(6), pages 859-884.
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    15. Humphery-Jenner, Mark & Powell, Ronan & Zhang, Emma Jincheng, 2019. "Practice makes progress: Evidence from divestitures," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 1-19.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Financial advisor; Boutique; Full service; Mergers and acquisitions;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • G39 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Other

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