Employment Protection and Takeovers
55 Pages Posted: 16 Jun 2015 Last revised: 9 May 2017
Date Written: September 9, 2016
Abstract
Labor restructuring is a key driver of takeovers and the associated synergy gains worldwide. In a difference-in-differences research design, we show that major increases in employment protection reduce takeover activity by 14-27% and the combined firm gains (synergies) by over half. Consistent with the labor channel behind these effects, deals with greater potential for workforce restructuring show a greater reduction in volume, number, and synergies. Increases in employment protection impede layoffs, resulting in wage costs that match the magnitude of synergy losses. Offer prices are not fully adjusted, with both bidders and targets exhibiting lower returns following the reforms.
Keywords: Employment Protection, Takeovers, Mergers and Acquisitions, Synergy Gains, Premiums, Efficiency
JEL Classification: J30, G14, G34, K31
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation