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Do Mergers and Acquisitions Affect Information Asymmetry in the Banking Sector?

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  • John S. Howe
  • Thibaut G. Morillon

Abstract

We investigate the consequences of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) for information asymmetry in the banking sector. We test competing hypotheses about the effect of M&As on the information environment. M&As either increase information asymmetry (the opacity hypothesis) or diminishes it (the transparency hypothesis). We find evidence that information asymmetry increases following M&A announcements and decreases following deal completions. These findings are more pronounced for acquisitions involving a private target, and all-cash deals, as well as for mergers as opposed to acquisition of assets. Additionally, we find that the enactment of Dodd-Frank reduced the levels of information asymmetry. The results are important to regulators, policy makers, and investors.

Suggested Citation

  • John S. Howe & Thibaut G. Morillon, 2017. "Do Mergers and Acquisitions Affect Information Asymmetry in the Banking Sector?," NFI Working Papers 2017-WP-01, Indiana State University, Scott College of Business, Networks Financial Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:nfi:nfiwps:2017-wp-01
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    mergers and acquisitions; opacity hypothesis; transparency hypothesis; information asymmetry;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance

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