Theories of Mergers

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Some of the key takeaways from the document are that it discusses various efficiency theories like differential efficiency theory and inefficient management theory. It also talks about concepts like synergy, diversification and strategic realignment to changing environment.

Some of the efficiency theories discussed are differential efficiency theory, inefficient management theory, synergy and undervaluation.

According to the document, synergy refers to the type of reactions that occur when two substances or factors combine to produce a greater effect together than that which the sum of the two operating independently could account for. There are also two types of synergy mentioned - financial synergy and operating synergy.

GARIMA SINGH MBA 4TH SEMESTER ROLL NO.

- 51

EFFICIENCY THEORIES
Differential efficiency theory.
Inefficient management theory. Synergy.

Pure diversification.
Strategic realignment to changing environment. Undervaluation.

According to this theory if the management of firm

A is more efficient than the firm B and if the firm A acquires firm B, the efficiency of firm B is likely to be brought up to the level of the firm A. The theory implies that some firms operate below their potential and as a result have below average efficiency. Such firms are most vulnerable to acquisition by other more efficient firms in the same industry. This is because firms with greater efficiency would be able to identify firms with good potential but operating at lower efficiency.

This is similar to the concept of managerial efficiency but

it is different in that inefficient management means that the management of one company simply is not performing up to its potential. Inefficient management theory simply represents that is incompetent in the complete sense.

Synergy refers to the type of reactions that occur when two

substances or factors combine to produce a greater effect together than that which the sum of the two operating independently could account for. The ability of a combination of two firms to be more profitable than the two firms individually. There are two types of synergy: Financial synergy. Operating synergy.

Diversification provides numerous benefits to managers,

employees, owners of the firms and to the firm itself. Diversification through mergers is commonly preferred to diversification through internal growth, given that the firm may lack internal resources or capabilities requires.

It suggests that the firms use the strategy of M&As as ways

to rapidly adjust to changes in their external environments. When a company has an opportunity of growth available only for a limited period of time slow internal growth may not be sufficient.

The acquiring firm has information about the acquired

firm which leads it to believe that the latter in undervalued.

The tender offer sends a signal to the market that the

target companys shares are undervalued.


The offer may signal information to the target

management which motivates them to become more efficient.


The target managements response to the offer and the

means of payment may also have signaling value.

Agency problems may result from a conflict of interest

between managers and shareholders and between shareholders and debt holders .
Takeovers are viewed as the last resort to discipline

self serving managers.

Takeovers are a manifestation of the agency problem,

not its solution.


Self serving managers embark on mergers to expand

their empire and improve their own career prospects.

Takeovers take place because of the conflicts between

managers and shareholders over the payout of free cash flows.


Free cash flows should be paid out to shareholders

thereby reducing the power of management and subjecting managers to the scrutiny of the public markets more frequently.
Debt-for-stock exchange offers are viewed as a means

of bonding the managers promise to pay out future cash flows to stakeholders.

Acc . to Jensen- Free cash flow is the cash flow in excess of the amounts required to fund all projects that have positive net present values when discounted at the applicable cost of capital.
Such free cash flow must be paid out to shareholders if the firm

is to be efficient and to maximize the share prize.


The payout of free cash flow reduces the amount of resources

under the control of managers and thereby reduces their power.


In addition, they are then more likely to be subject to

monitoring by the capital markets when they seek to finance additional capital investments with new capital.

This theory states that the merger occurs to increase

the market power of an organization.


(But the market power can also be achieved by the

internal expansion of the firm.)


To acquire a larger volume of operations sooner. Market gains are the results of increased concentration

leading to collusion and monopoly effects.

Tax minimizing opportunities. Carry over of net operating losses, tax credits and the

substitution of capital gains for ordinary income are among the tax motivations for mergers.
Looming inheritance taxes may also motivate the sale

of privately held firms with aging owners.

Acc. To this theory, the source of the value increases

in mergers is redistribution among the stakeholders of the firm


Gains from a merger may come at

the expense of

other stakeholders in the firm.


Expropriated stakeholders may include bond holders,

government and organized labour.

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