The earnout structure matters : takeover premia and acquirer gains in earnout financed M&As
Abstract
In this article, based on both parametric and non-parametric methods, we provide a robust solution to the long-standing issue on how earnouts in corporate takeovers are structured and how their structure influences the takeover premia and the abnormal returns earned by acquirers. First, we quantify the effect of the terms of earnout contract (relative size and length) on the takeover premia. Second, we demonstrate how adverse selection considerations lead the merging firms to set the initial payment in an earnout financed deal at a level that is lower than, or equal to, the full deal payment in a comparable non-earnout financed deal. Lastly, we show that while acquirers in non-earnout financed deals experience negative abnormal returns from an increase in the takeover premia, this effect is neutralised in earnout financed deals.
Citation
Barbopoulos , L G & Adra , S 2016 , ' The earnout structure matters : takeover premia and acquirer gains in earnout financed M &As ' , International Review of Financial Analysis , vol. 45 , pp. 283-294 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.irfa.2016.04.007
Publication
International Review of Financial Analysis
Status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
1057-5219Type
Journal article
Rights
Copyright © 2016, Published by Elsevier Inc. This work is made available online in accordance with the publisher’s policies. This is the author created, accepted version manuscript following peer review and may differ slightly from the final published version. The final published version of this work is available at https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.irfa.2016.04.007
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