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Why Do Western European Firms Issue Convertibles Instead of Straight Debt or Equity?

Author

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  • Dutordoir, M.D.R.P.
  • Van de Gucht, L.

Abstract

Unlike their US counterparts, European convertible debt issuers tend to be large companies with small debt- and equity-related financing costs. Therefore, it is a puzzle why these firms issue convertibles instead of standard financing instruments. This paper examines European convertible debt issuer motivations by estimating a security choice model incorporating convertibles, straight debt, and equity. We find that European convertibles are used as sweetened debt, not as delayed equity. This motivation is also reflected in the highly debt-like design of most European convertible issues. In addition, we show that economy-wide and country-specific factors have a significant incremental impact on the convertible debt choice.

Suggested Citation

  • Dutordoir, M.D.R.P. & Van de Gucht, L., 2006. "Why Do Western European Firms Issue Convertibles Instead of Straight Debt or Equity?," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2006-056-F&A, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
    • Handle: RePEc:ems:eureri:8043
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Dutordoir, Marie & Van de Gucht, Linda, 2007. "Are there windows of opportunity for convertible debt issuance? Evidence for Western Europe," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 31(9), pages 2828-2846, September.
    2. Sze Kim Chin & Nur Adiana Hiau Abdullah, 2013. "Announcements Effect of Corporate Bond Issuance and Its Determinants," Contemporary Economics, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw., vol. 7(1), March.
    3. Dutordoir, M.D.R.P. & Van de Gucht, L., 2006. "Are There Windows of Opportunity for Convertible Debt Issuance? Evidence for Western Europe," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2006-055-F&A, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Convertible Debt; Security Choice; Security Design; Western Europe;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G3 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance
    • M - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics

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