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Do universal banks create value? Universal bank affiliation and company performance in Belgium, 1905-1909

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  • VAN OVERFELT, Wouter
  • ANNAERT, Jan
  • DE CEUSTER, Marc
  • DELOOF, Marc

Abstract

We investigate the impact of universal banks on the performance and the risk of affiliated companies in an unregulated environment with booming financial markets. For a unique sample of 129 Belgian companies listed in the period 1905-1909, we find that universal bank affiliation had a positive impact on the market-to-book ratio and return-on-assets. The effect on performance was positively related to the degree of bank involvement. Universal banks significantly reduced the volatility of return-on-assets. Stock return performance, measured by the Sharpe ratio, was also significantly better for affiliated corporations.

Suggested Citation

  • VAN OVERFELT, Wouter & ANNAERT, Jan & DE CEUSTER, Marc & DELOOF, Marc, 2007. "Do universal banks create value? Universal bank affiliation and company performance in Belgium, 1905-1909," Working Papers 2007001, University of Antwerp, Faculty of Business and Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ant:wpaper:2007001
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