Innovative Activity, Growth Options and the Heterogeneous Return Performance of Cross-border vs. Domestic M&A Firms

Abstract

M&A deals in the US are done mostly at the domestic level. We examine the M&A performance of US acquirers during 1991-2014 based on the enhanced innovative capacity afforded by cross-border deals. We find that US firms engaging in cross-border M&A have superior innovative capacity, which results in lower short-term returns and downside risk. In contrast, long-run returns following cross-border acquisition are higher.

Keywords: acquisitions, mergers, international, equity return, real options, multinational network hypothesis

JEL Classification: G34, G11, G12