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Prevention Is Better than Cure: The Role of IPO Syndicates in Precluding Information Acquisition

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  • Yoram Barzel

    (University of Washington)

Abstract

We treat information acquisition by potential investors in initial public offerings as endogenous. With endogenous information, the critical question is why underwriters would allow investors to spend resources acquiring superior information intended solely to effect a wealth transfer. We show that an investment banking syndicate is an institutional arrangement designed to avoid such a transfer. By inviting rival banks to share in the offering, a managing underwriter ensures they have a strong incentive to remain ignorant. We characterize the resulting outcome as one of symmetric ignorance. The desire to maintain symmetric ignorance is consistent with the observed passivity of nonmanaging syndicate participants.

Suggested Citation

  • Yoram Barzel, 2006. "Prevention Is Better than Cure: The Role of IPO Syndicates in Precluding Information Acquisition," The Journal of Business, University of Chicago Press, vol. 79(6), pages 2911-2924, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jnlbus:v:79:y:2006:i:6:p:2911-2924
    DOI: 10.1086/508003
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    Cited by:

    1. Satyendra Kumar Sharma & Ankit Seraphim, 2010. "The Relationship between IPO Underpricing Phenomenon & the Underwriter’s Reputation," Romanian Economic Journal, Department of International Business and Economics from the Academy of Economic Studies Bucharest, vol. 13(38), pages 181-209, December.
    2. Dunbar, Craig G. & King, Michael R., 2023. "Syndicate structure and IPO outcomes: The impact of underwriter roles and syndicate concentration," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    3. Habib, Michel, 2015. "Multifaceted Transactions, Incentives, and Organizational Form," CEPR Discussion Papers 10432, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    4. Dari-Mattiacci, Giuseppe & Onderstal, Sander & Parisi, Francesco, 2021. "Asymmetric solutions to asymmetric information problems," International Review of Law and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).
    5. André F. Gygax & Stephanie Ong, 2011. "What Do Investment Banks Truly Bring to the Table?," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 47(2), pages 121-157, June.

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