Are Fairness Opinions Fair? The Case of Mergers and Acquisitions

Abstract

From 1994 to 2003, 80% of targets and 37% of acquirers obtain a third-party assessment of the fairness of a merger or acquisition. These fairness opinions do not affect deal outcomes when used by targets, but they affect deal outcomes when used by acquirers. The deal premium is lower in transactions if the acquirer obtains a fairness opinion, and further reduced if multiple advisors provide that opinion. However, the acquirer's announcement period return is 2.3% lower if the acquirer has a fairness opinion, especially if the acquirer pays a high premium, indicating that investors are skeptical of these transactions.

Keywords: Fairness opinion, merger, conflict of interest, deal premium, announcement return.

JEL Classification: G34, G24, J33