Symmetric and asymmetric effects of proximities. The case of M&A deals in Italy

TitleSymmetric and asymmetric effects of proximities. The case of M&A deals in Italy
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsBoschma, R, Marrocu, E, Paci, R
JournalJournal of Economic Geography
Volume16
Issue2
Pagination505-535
Abstract

This article investigates the effect of geographical, industrial, organizational and institutional proximity on the probability that any two firms located in Italy engage in a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deal. Within a logistic rare event framework, we investigate 4261 actual deals completed over the period 2000–2011 and around 3.8 million potential deals. We find robust evidence that all forms of proximity have a positive effect, especially industrial relatedness. Moreover, we find evidence that proximities generate asymmetric effects on M&A deals, depending on the location of bidders and targets and on whether some specific individual characteristics are featured by the acquirer or by the target firm.

URLhttp://joeg.oxfordjournals.org/content/16/2/505.abstract
DOI10.1093/jeg/lbv005
Keywordsasymmetry, geographical proximity, industrial relatedness, M&A, rare events models