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Shell Games: Are Chinese Reverse Merger Firms Inherently Toxic?

Author

Listed:
  • Lee, Charles M. C.

    (Stanford University)

  • Li, Kevin K.

    (University of Toronto)

  • Zhang, Ran

    (Peking University)

Abstract

We examine the financial health and performance of reverse mergers (RMs) that became active on U.S. stock markets between 2001 and 2010, particularly those from China (around 85% of all foreign RMs). As a group, RMs are small, early-stage companies that typically trade over-the-counter. Chinese RMs (CRMs), however, tend to be more mature and less speculative than either their U.S. counterparts or a group of exchange-industry-size matched firms. Collectively, CRMs outperformed their matched peers from inception through the end of 2011, even after including most of the firms accused of accounting fraud. CRMs that receive private-equity (PIPE) financing from sophisticated investors perform particularly well. Overall, despite the negative publicity (some from short sellers), we find little evidence that CRMs are inherently toxic investments. Our results shed light on the risk-performance trade-off for CRMs, as well as the delicate balance between credibility and access in well-functioning markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Lee, Charles M. C. & Li, Kevin K. & Zhang, Ran, 2014. "Shell Games: Are Chinese Reverse Merger Firms Inherently Toxic?," Research Papers 3063, Stanford University, Graduate School of Business.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecl:stabus:3063
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    File URL: http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/working-papers/shell-games-are-chinese-reverse-merger-firms-inherently-toxic
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    Cited by:

    1. Troy Pollard, 2016. "Sneaking in the back door? An evaluation of reverse mergers and IPOs," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 47(2), pages 305-341, August.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting
    • N20 - Economic History - - Financial Markets and Institutions - - - General, International, or Comparative

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