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The governance transfer of blockholders: Evidence from block acquisitions and earnings management around the world

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  • Dai, Lili
  • Dharwadkar, Ravi
  • Shi, Linna
  • Zhang, Bohui

Abstract

We examine the governance transfer effect of corporate blockholders in a sample of 892 block acquisitions across 42 countries from 1990 to 2008. Using earnings management as a proxy for corporate governance outcome, we find that target firms' earnings management is aligned with that of block acquirers after acquisitions, implying that blockholders transfer their own governance quality to investee firms. We further identify three economic mechanisms that underlie the governance transfer effect, namely, monitoring effectiveness, monitoring cost, and monitoring environment. Our findings provide new insights into the governance role of blockholders.

Suggested Citation

  • Dai, Lili & Dharwadkar, Ravi & Shi, Linna & Zhang, Bohui, 2017. "The governance transfer of blockholders: Evidence from block acquisitions and earnings management around the world," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 586-607.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:corfin:v:45:y:2017:i:c:p:586-607
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2017.06.004
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Block acquisition; Governance transfer; Earnings management; International financial markets;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting

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