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Acquiring for innovation: Evidence from the U.S. technology industry

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  • Kaufmann, Mattheo
  • Schiereck, Dirk

Abstract

We investigate the effect of corporate innovation on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Using a sample of 786 public-to-public transactions in the U.S. technology sector, we show that acquirers are willing to pay higher premiums for more innovative target firms. This effect is amplified by the acquirer's own level of innovativeness as more innovative acquirers are willing to pay higher premiums for innovative targets than non-innovative acquirers. We further document significant strategic reactions of rival firms. In the aftermath of the M&A, all acquirer rivals increase their R&D spending but the effect is more pronounced for innovative rivals than for non-innovative ones. Innovative acquirer rivals are also more likely to acquire a technology firm in the aftermath of their competitor's M&A announcement than their non-innovative peers. The similarity between acquirers and their rivals shrinks in the post-acquisition period, which may be caused by rival firms extending the breadth of their technological search in response to the acquisition.

Suggested Citation

  • Kaufmann, Mattheo & Schiereck, Dirk, 2023. "Acquiring for innovation: Evidence from the U.S. technology industry," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:dyncon:v:152:y:2023:i:c:s0165188923000799
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jedc.2023.104673
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Innovation; Patents; Mergers and acquisitions (M&A); Takeover premium;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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