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From stethoscopes to boardrooms: CEOs’ medical degree and merger performance

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  • Unsal, Omer

Abstract

This study explores how CEOs with medical degrees (M.D.) impact mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the U.S. pharmaceutical industry. We discover that doctor CEOs tend to engage in fewer M&A deals, but when they do, these transactions show better outcomes. Investors respond positively to mergers led by M.D. CEOs, signaling confidence in their decisions. Similarly, target firms led by doctor CEOs experience positive market reactions, lasting up to 20 %. Rather than engaging in frequent mergers, doctor CEOs form a greater number of strategic alliances, expand their businesses, and produce more medical innovation. Overall, this study sheds light on the distinctive strategies employed by doctor CEOs in the pharmaceutical industry, providing valuable insights for ever-changing landscape of healthcare business.

Suggested Citation

  • Unsal, Omer, 2025. "From stethoscopes to boardrooms: CEOs’ medical degree and merger performance," Journal of Contemporary Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 21(3).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jocaae:v:21:y:2025:i:3:s1815566925000554
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcae.2025.100508
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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