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Exploring the Roles of IPOs and Main Bank Relationships on Debt Maturity: The Case of Japan

Author

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  • Jieting Chen

    (Graduate School of Business, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 558-8585, Japan)

  • Jinbin Fan

    (Foshan Innovation Investment Co., Ltd., Foshan 528200, China)

Abstract

The choice between short- and long-term debt impacts a firm’s financial flexibility and its capacity for sustainable investment. This study examines how Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and main bank relationships shape debt maturity structures, focusing on Japanese firms listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange between 2002 and 2015. Using panel fixed effects and difference-in-differences (DID) analysis, we find a temporary extension in debt maturity (i.e., a reduction in the short-term debt ratio) one year post-IPO. Our findings partially support the hypothesis under signaling theory, which states that firms can mitigate asymmetric information problems through IPOs, facilitating the issuance of long-term debt, and thus allowing firms to allocate resources for sustainability projects. Notably, Japanese firms without a main bank relationship experience a more significant and lasting impact, while those with a main bank relationship display minimal changes in debt structure. These findings highlight the critical role of Japanese institutional factors in alleviating information asymmetry and enabling access to long-term financing. Additionally, the findings enlighten studies on financial mechanisms that enable firms to align their strategies with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the long run.

Suggested Citation

  • Jieting Chen & Jinbin Fan, 2025. "Exploring the Roles of IPOs and Main Bank Relationships on Debt Maturity: The Case of Japan," IJFS, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijfss:v:13:y:2025:i:1:p:25-:d:1589600
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Douglas W. Diamond, 1991. "Debt Maturity Structure and Liquidity Risk," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 106(3), pages 709-737.
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