Why do some merger and acquisitions deals fail? A global perspective

We analyse why some merger and acquisitions (M&A) deals are withdrawn paying particular attention to the economic freedom and legal environment of countries. We use a large dataset based on deals worldwide from over 140 countries during the period 1977-2014. Our core finding is that the likelihood of a deal's withdrawal tends to increase if the economic freedom/quality of legal environment of the acquiring (target) firm's country is higher (lower). These core findings matter more for the non-financial sector, during non-crisis years, and in developed financial markets. We also report that the deals have higher tendency to be withdrawn if the target firm's size is larger or its profitability is lower; and the acquiring firm's size is smaller. Furthermore, our analyses reveal that deal characteristics (i.e., deal attitude, means of payment, deal size, ownership sought) also matter in affecting the outcome of announced M&A deals.

Automated summary

This study examines why some M&A deals are withdrawn, highlighting the impact of economic freedom and legal environment of countries. The research findings show that higher economic freedom/legal environment in the acquiring (target) firm's country leads to higher likelihood of deal withdrawal. Additionally, factors such as larger target firm size, lower profitability, and smaller acquiring firm size increase the chances of deal withdrawal.