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Asset Tangibility and Capital Allocation within Multinational Corporations

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  • Dietrich, Diemo

Abstract

We investigate capital allocation across a firm's divisions that differ with respect to the degree of asset tangibility. We adopt an incomplete contracting approach where the outcome of potential debt renegotiations depends on the liquidation value of assets. However, with diversity in terms of asset tangibility, liquidation proceeds depend on how funds have been allocated across divisions. As diversity can be traced back to institutional differences between countries, we provide a rationale for multidivisional decision- making in an international context. A main finding is that multinationals may be bound to go to certain countries when financiers cannot control the capital allocation.

Suggested Citation

  • Dietrich, Diemo, 2006. "Asset Tangibility and Capital Allocation within Multinational Corporations," IWH Discussion Papers 4/2006, Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:iwhdps:iwh-4-06
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Interne Kapitalmärkte; multinationale Unternehmen; unvollständige Verträge; asset tangibility; Internal capital markets; multinational corporations; incomplete contracts; asset tangibility;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design

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