The informational dimensions of the Amihud (2002) illiquidity measure: Evidence from the M&A market

Abstract

In this study we shed a new light on Amihud's illiquidity measure, used here as a relevant «measure of consensus belief among investors about new information» (Amihud, 2002). This paper demonstrates the relevance of this new approach/ dimension in the context of M&A transactions. Using a large sample of M&A in the U.S., Canada and Europe over the 2000–13 period, we report that Amihud's (2002) measure is a significant determinant of cumulative abnormal returns observed after M&A. This metric is also consistent with financial analyst forecast activity and stands as a relevant proxy measure of price informativeness.