Index Membership vs. Loss of Voting Power: The Unification of Dual-Class Shares
Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Vol. 49, 2017
40 Pages Posted: 16 Jan 2012 Last revised: 1 Nov 2023
Date Written: March 1, 2017
Abstract
A change in the index selection rules of Deutsche Börse provides a unique opportunity to investigate the drivers behind the decision to abolish dual-class shares. As of June 2002, selection is based on the market capitalization of the free-float of the more liquid share class rather than the overall market capitalization. Hence, firms have had to reassess the benefits from their dual-class shares by weighing them against the cost from foregone index weight associated with having two share classes. Our findings suggest that index membership significantly affects the controlling shareholder’s motivation to unify preferred and common stock.
Keywords: private benefits of control, dual-class stock, ownership structure, corporate governance
JEL Classification: G30, G32
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation