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The valuation effects of corporate social responsibility on mergers and acquisitions: Evidence from U.S. target firms

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  • Kyumin Cho
  • Seung Hun Han
  • Hyeong Joon Kim
  • Sangsoo Kim

Abstract

This study investigates whether a target firm's corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance creates value for shareholders. Our results indicate that target CSR performance that is stronger than that of the acquirer firm yields higher premiums for target shareholders. In addition, the positive valuation effect of CSR is more pronounced when well‐governed acquirers conduct the takeover. Our evidence is robust to several sensitivity tests. These results imply that favorable market reactions to the target's CSR are due to the market expectation that well‐governed acquirers reward the target's shareholders with a fair CSR value in merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions. Consistent with the stakeholder theory that maximizes stakeholder value, investing in CSR creates value in M&A transactions.

Suggested Citation

  • Kyumin Cho & Seung Hun Han & Hyeong Joon Kim & Sangsoo Kim, 2021. "The valuation effects of corporate social responsibility on mergers and acquisitions: Evidence from U.S. target firms," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(1), pages 378-388, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:corsem:v:28:y:2021:i:1:p:378-388
    DOI: 10.1002/csr.2055
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    2. Patrizia Gazzola & Stefano Amelio & Daniele Grechi & Chiara Alleruzzo, 2022. "Culture and sustainable development: The role of merger and acquisition in Italian B Corps," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(5), pages 1546-1559, September.
    3. Shih-chi (Sana) Chiu & Azadeh Sabz, 2022. "Can Corporate Divestiture Activities Lead to Better Corporate Social Performance?," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 179(3), pages 849-866, September.
    4. Jost, Sébastien & Erben, Saskia & Ottenstein, Philipp & Zülch, Henning, 2022. "Does corporate social responsibility impact mergers & acquisition premia? New international evidence," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 46(PA).
    5. Malik, Mahfuja & Al Mamun, Md, 2024. "Impact of target firm’s social performance on acquisition premiums," Journal of Contemporary Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 20(2).
    6. Jingjing Li & Xianming Wu, 2022. "Technology-Driven Cross-Border M&A, CSR, and Enterprise Innovation Performance—Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-32, March.

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