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Selling to buy: Asset sales and acquisitions

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  • Mavis, Christos P.
  • McNamee, Nathan P.
  • Petmezas, Dimitris
  • Travlos, Nickolaos G.

Abstract

This study explores the impact of joint corporate asset restructuring decisions, where firms sell an asset in order to fund a subsequent acquisition (selling-to-buy). We find that firms with asset sales are associated with increased acquisition probability. The effect is more pronounced for financially constrained firms. We also show that, in addition to the established improved firm efficiency from focus-increasing asset sales, financially constrained firms obtain the necessary funds to conduct focus-increasing acquisitions, improving further their efficiency. This translates into both higher long-run operating performance and stock abnormal returns at the asset sale announcement.

Suggested Citation

  • Mavis, Christos P. & McNamee, Nathan P. & Petmezas, Dimitris & Travlos, Nickolaos G., 2020. "Selling to buy: Asset sales and acquisitions," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 62(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:corfin:v:62:y:2020:i:c:s0929119920300316
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2020.101587
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Asset sales; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Operating efficiency; Abnormal returns; Financial constraints;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • 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

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