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Were the Acquisitive Conglomerates Inefficient?

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  • Klein, Peter G

Abstract

This article challenges the conventional wisdom that the 1960s conglomerates were inefficient. I offer valuation results consistent with recent event-study evidence that markets typically rewarded diversifying acquisitions. Using new data, I compute industry-adjusted valuation, profitability, leverage, and investment ratios for 36 large, acquisitive conglomerates from 1966 to 1974. During the early 1970s, the conglomerates were less valuable and less profitable than stand-alone firms, favoring an agency explanation for unrelated diversification. In the 1960s, however; conglomerates were not valued at a discount. Evidence from acquisition histories suggests that conglomerate diversification may have added value by creating internal capital markets. Copyright 2001 by the RAND Corporation.

Suggested Citation

  • Klein, Peter G, 2001. "Were the Acquisitive Conglomerates Inefficient?," RAND Journal of Economics, The RAND Corporation, vol. 32(4), pages 745-761, Winter.
    • Handle: RePEc:rje:randje:v:32:y:2001:i:4:p:745-61
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    Cited by:

    1. Peter G. Klein & Robert Wuebker, 2020. "Corporate diversification and innovation: Managerial myopia or inefficient internal capital markets?," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 41(8), pages 1403-1416, December.
    2. David Hennessy & Harvey Lapan, 2005. "An algebraic theory of multi-product decisions," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 25(4), pages 819-829, June.
    3. Martynova, Marina & Renneboog, Luc, 2008. "A century of corporate takeovers: What have we learned and where do we stand?," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 32(10), pages 2148-2177, October.
    4. Malcolm Baker & Richard S. Ruback & Jeffrey Wurgler, 2004. "Behavioral Corporate Finance: A Survey," NBER Working Papers 10863, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    5. repec:cgr:cgsser:03-01 is not listed on IDEAS
    6. Carola Frydman, 2019. "Rising Through the Ranks: The Evolution of the Market for Corporate Executives, 1936–2003," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 65(11), pages 4951-4979, November.
    7. Martynova, M. & Renneboog, L.D.R., 2005. "Takeover Waves : Triggers, Performance and Motives," Discussion Paper 2005-029, Tilburg University, Tilburg Law and Economic Center.
    8. Martynova, M., 2006. "The market for corporate control and corporate governance regulation in Europe," Other publications TiSEM 8651e281-4914-41f2-ac14-1, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    9. Utz Weitzel & Killian J. McCarthy, 2011. "Theory and evidence on mergers and acquisitions by small and medium enterprises," International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 14(2/3), pages 248-275.
    10. Barbieri, Elisa & Huang, Manli & Pi, Shenglei & Pollio, Chiara & Rubini, Lauretta, 2021. "Investigating the linkages between industrial policies and M&A dynamics: Evidence from China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).
    11. Marc Rustige & Michael H. Grote, 2009. "Der Einfluss von Diversifikationsstrategien auf den Aktienkurs deutscher Unternehmen," Schmalenbach Journal of Business Research, Springer, vol. 61(5), pages 470-498, August.
    12. Lasse B. Lien & Peter G. Klein, 2013. "Can the Survivor Principle Survive Diversification?," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 24(5), pages 1478-1494, October.
    13. Stefan Erdorf & Thomas Hartmann-Wendels & Nicolas Heinrichs & Michael Matz, 2013. "Corporate diversification and firm value: a survey of recent literature," Financial Markets and Portfolio Management, Springer;Swiss Society for Financial Market Research, vol. 27(2), pages 187-215, June.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • L22 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Organization and Market Structure
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance

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