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Mergers as Reallocation

Author

Listed:
  • Boyan Jovanovic

    (New York University)

  • Peter L. Rousseau

    (Vanderbilt University)

Abstract

We model merger waves as reallocation waves, and argue that mergers spread new technology in a way that is similar to that of the entry and exit of firms. We focus on two periods: 1890-1930, during which electricity and the internal combustion engine spread through the U.S. economy, and 1970-2000-the Information Age. As the model implies, reallocation did rise during both epochs. The model also implies that exits should lead mergers during a transition, but this seems to have happened more emphatically in the electrification epoch. Copyright by the President and Fellows of Harvard College and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Boyan Jovanovic & Peter L. Rousseau, 2008. "Mergers as Reallocation," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 90(4), pages 765-776, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:tpr:restat:v:90:y:2008:i:4:p:765-776
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights
    • L2 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior

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