On the Effects of Economic Integration on Greenfield Investments and Cross-border Mergers and Acquisitions Location Pattern

Abstract

This paper investigates the linkages between economic integration and horizontal Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) location. In a three-country partial equilibrium model with differentiated Cournot and Bertrand competition, we incorporate the two main FDI modes: Greenfield Investment (G.I.) and crossborder Merger and Acquisition (M&A). We also allow regionally-based firms to invest outside the regional area. Economic integration characterized by internal and external transaction costs may affect entry modes (G.I. vs. M&A) and its location (intra - extra regional flows). Our findings suggest the existence of complex linkages between economic integration and FDI location pattern depending simultaneously on set-up fixed costs, the competitive mode of market interaction and the product differentiation. However, the role of cross-border M&A as well as the importance of FDI outflows from the regional area is highlighted.