Do Pre-M&A Performances Of The Acquirer And The Target Predict M&A Success? Horizontal Vs. Vertical Vs. Conglo

Due to the high failure rate of the M&A strategy, this study raises the question of whether there are differences between horizontal M&A vs. vertical M&As vs. conglomerate M&As with regard to the prediction of M&A success by the pre-performances of the acquirer and the target. This study presents a research model with an aim to understand if differences exist between the types of M&A with regard to the prediction of M&A success. The study uses three samples, which includes 121 horizontal M&As, 19 vertical M&As and 57 conglomerate M&As. The research model includes four variables that reflect the pre-performances of the acquirer and the target ? the revenue of the acquirer/target and the profitability of the acquirer/target. The study reveals that horizontal M&As and vertical M&As lead to a failure of the integration stage, while conglomerate M&As leads to integration success. The results also show that in horizontal M&As, the profitability of the target has a positive effect on the integration success, but it has a negative effect on synergy success, while in conglomerate M&As, it has a negative effect on synergy success. The revenue of the target has a negative effect on integration success, but only with regard to horizontal M&As. The study highlights that conglomerate M&As have more probability for success compare to horizontal M&As and vertical M&As.