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Why do over-deviated firms from target leverage undertake foreign acquisitions?

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  • Ahmed, Yousry
  • Elshandidy, Tamer

Abstract

This paper examines how deviation from firms’ target leverage influences their decisions on undertaking foreign acquisitions. Using a sample of 5746 completed bids by UK acquirers from 1987 to 2012, we observe that over-deviated firms are more likely to acquire foreign targets. Consistent with co-insurance theory, we find that over-deviated firms engage in foreign acquisition deals to relieve their financial constraints and to mitigate their financial distress risk. We also note that foreign acquisitions enhance over-deviated firms’ value and performance, measured by Tobin’s q and return on assets (ROA) respectively. These findings support the view that over-deviated firms pursue the most value-enhancing acquisitions. Overall, this paper suggests that co-insurance effects, value creation and performance improvements are the main incentives for over-deviated firms’ involvement in foreign acquisitions.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahmed, Yousry & Elshandidy, Tamer, 2018. "Why do over-deviated firms from target leverage undertake foreign acquisitions?," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(2), pages 309-327.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:iburev:v:27:y:2018:i:2:p:309-327
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ibusrev.2017.08.005
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Leverage deviation; Co-insurance theory; Global diversification; Financial constraints; Default risk; Firm value; Operating performance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • 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

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