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A theory of LBO activity based on repeated debt-equity conflicts

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  • Malenko, Andrey
  • Malenko, Nadya

Abstract

We develop a theory of leveraged buyout (LBO) activity based on two elements: the ability of private equity-owned firms to borrow against their sponsors׳ reputation with creditors and externalities in sponsors׳ reputations due to competition and club formation. In equilibrium, the two sources of value creation in LBOs, operational improvements and financing, are complements. Moreover, sponsors that never add operational value cannot add value through financing either. Club deals are beneficial ex post by allowing low-reputation bidders with high valuations to borrow reputation from high-reputation bidders with low valuations, but they can destroy value by reducing bidders׳ investment in reputation. Unlike leverage of independent firms, driven only by firm-specific factors, buyout leverage is driven by economy-wide and sponsor-specific factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Malenko, Andrey & Malenko, Nadya, 2015. "A theory of LBO activity based on repeated debt-equity conflicts," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 117(3), pages 607-627.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfinec:v:117:y:2015:i:3:p:607-627
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jfineco.2015.06.007
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    Cited by:

    1. Burkart, Mike & Dasgupta, Amil, 2014. "Activist funds, leverage, and procyclicality," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 119029, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    2. Tarsalewska, Monika, 2018. "Buyouts under the threat of preemption," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 39-58.
    3. K.S. Reddy & En Xie & Yuanyuan Huang, 2016. "Contractual buyout - a legitimate growth model in the enterprise development: foundations and implications," International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 15(1), pages 1-23.
    4. Sharjil M. Haque & Simon Mayer & Teng Wang, 2024. "How Private Equity Fuels Non-Bank Lending," Finance and Economics Discussion Series 2024-015, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.).
    5. Valentin Haddad & Erik Loualiche & Matthew Plosser, 2017. "Buyout Activity: The Impact of Aggregate Discount Rates," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 72(1), pages 371-414, February.
    6. Antonio Salvi & Emanuele Teti & Anastasia Giakoumelou, 2021. "The Relationship between LBOs, IPOs and Market Risk Premium: An Empirical Analysis of the European Market," International Journal of Business and Management, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 14(7), pages 160-160, July.
    7. Sharjil M. Haque & Anya V. Kleymenova, 2023. "Private Equity and Debt Contract Enforcement: Evidence from Covenant Violations," Finance and Economics Discussion Series 2023-018, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.).
    8. Phalippou, Ludovic & Rauch, Christian & Umber, Marc, 2018. "Private equity portfolio company fees," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 129(3), pages 559-585.
    9. Chiarella, Carlo & Ostinelli, Diego, 2020. "Financial or strategic buyers: Who is at the gate?," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 393-407.
    10. Dasgupta, Amil & Burkart, Mike, 2020. "Competition for flow and and short-termism in activism," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 106516, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    11. Burkart, Mike & Lee, Samuel & Petri, Henrik, 2020. "The Social Value of Debt in the Market for Corporate Control," CEPR Discussion Papers 15249, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    12. Sharjil M. Haque, 2023. "Does Private Equity Over-Lever Portfolio Companies?," Finance and Economics Discussion Series 2023-009, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.).
    13. Bustamante, Maria Cecilia & Zucchi, Francesca, 2023. "Innovation, industry equilibrium, and discount rates," Working Paper Series 2835, European Central Bank.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Leveraged buyouts; Private equity; Reputation; Debt-equity conflicts; Club deals;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G24 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage
    • 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
    • D44 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Auctions

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