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The determinants of firm diversification in UK quoted companies

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  • Adrian Gourlay
  • Jonathan Seaton

Abstract

This paper examines the role of resource-based and governance factors in determining the boundaries of UK quoted companies, measured by both the probability and intensity of market diversification. Using a panel of over 2000 firms for the period 1988 to 2001 it is found that firm-level heterogeneity and industry characteristics account for the variability in diversification behaviour and that resource-based and governance factors interact in a complex manner not necessarily fully explained by the theoretical literature. The results also indicate that the degree of data aggregation has significant implications for the empirical modelling of market diversification.

Suggested Citation

  • Adrian Gourlay & Jonathan Seaton, 2004. "The determinants of firm diversification in UK quoted companies," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(18), pages 2059-2071.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:applec:v:36:y:2004:i:18:p:2059-2071
    DOI: 10.1080/0003684042000295610
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Paul Bishop & Peter Gripaios, 2007. "Explaining Spatial Patterns of Industrial Diversity: An Analysis of Sub-regions in Great Britain," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 44(9), pages 1739-1757, August.
    2. Joao Dias & Vitor Mendes Magrico, 2009. "The impact of resource conditions and environmental uncertainty on inter-firm alliance strategies," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 43(6), pages 757-765.
    3. Heechul Min & Wook Sohn, 2008. "Closing inefficient affiliates: evidence from Korean conglomerates," Applied Financial Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(16), pages 1351-1361.
    4. Grossmann, Volker, 2007. "Firm size and diversification: Multiproduct firms in asymmetric oligopoly," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 25(1), pages 51-67, February.
    5. Courtney B. Baggett & Cassandra R. Cole, 2023. "Insurance groups, product diversification, and the role of surplus lines affiliation," Risk Management and Insurance Review, American Risk and Insurance Association, vol. 26(1), pages 35-56, March.
    6. Ducassy, Isabelle & Prevot, Frédéric, 2010. "The effects of family dynamics on diversification strategy: Empirical evidence from French companies," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 1(4), pages 224-235, December.
    7. Ferdaws Ezzi & Mouhamed Ali Azouzi & Anis Jarboui, 2016. "Does CEO emotional intelligence affect the performance of the diversifiable companies?," Cogent Economics & Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 4(1), pages 1230958-123, December.

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