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Reverse Mergers, Shell Value, and Regulation Risk in Chinese Equity Markets

Author

Listed:
  • Lee, Charles M. C.

    (Stanford University)

  • Qu, Yuanyu

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Shen, Tao

    (Tsinghua University)

Abstract

Using a comprehensive sample of reverse merger (RM) transactions, we examine the effects of China's IPO regulations on the prices and returns of its publicly listed stocks. During 2007-2015, unlisted Chinese firms paid an average of 3 to 4 Billion RMB for each listed shell, an amount exceeding 2/3 of the median market capitalization of a listed firm. This large shell premium varies over time and is sensitive to regulatory shocks. In the cross-section, a portfolio that longs (shorts) the highest (lowest) estimated shell probability (ESP) firms earns substantial abnormal returns. Adding an ESP-based factor to five common factors improves return attribution and eliminates the notoriously large Size premium. Consistent with theory, ESP also explains the sensitivity of prices to corporate earnings, and predicts the likelihood of firms to undertake major asset restructurings (MARs). We conclude China's IPO regulations impose a high cost on the functional efficiency of its financial system.

Suggested Citation

  • Lee, Charles M. C. & Qu, Yuanyu & Shen, Tao, 2017. "Reverse Mergers, Shell Value, and Regulation Risk in Chinese Equity Markets," Research Papers repec:ecl:stabus:3604, Stanford University, Graduate School of Business.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecl:stabus:repec:ecl:stabus:3604
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    File URL: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/gsb-cmis/gsb-cmis-download-auth/443351
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Lin William Cong & Sabrina T. Howell, 2021. "Policy Uncertainty and Innovation: Evidence from Initial Public Offering Interventions in China," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 67(11), pages 7238-7261, November.
    2. Liu, Jianan & Stambaugh, Robert F. & Yuan, Yu, 2019. "Size and value in China," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 134(1), pages 48-69.
    3. Carpenter, Jennifer N. & Lu, Fangzhou & Whitelaw, Robert F., 2021. "The real value of China’s stock market," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 139(3), pages 679-696.
    4. Liu, Wei & Tian, Gary Gang, 2022. "Controlling shareholder share pledging and the cost of equity capital: Evidence from China," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 54(6).
    5. Wan, Die & Yang, Teng & Yang, Xiaoguang, 2021. "IPO relative difficulty, M&A option and size effect," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
    6. Ma, Tian & Leong, Wen Jun & Jiang, Fuwei, 2023. "A latent factor model for the Chinese stock market," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    7. Liu, Yu & Yang, Lingxuan & Xiong, Lu, 2023. "Performance commitments and the properties of analyst earnings forecasts: Evidence from Chinese reverse merger firms," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 89(C).
    8. Lee, Charles M.C. & Qu, Yuanyu & Shen, Tao, 2019. "Going public in China: Reverse mergers versus IPOs," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 92-111.
    9. Chang, Danting, 2021. "Fundamental anomalies and the size puzzle in China: A data mining approach," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 42(C).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G18 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance

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