Utilizing Management Technology Advantages in Cross-Border Acquisitions

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A growing literature documents that management quality accounts for an important portion of the differences in productivity across firms and countries. One route through which management practices could affect productivity is through mergers and acquisitions. In this paper, I investigate the role of management quality on cross-border acquisition activities and outcomes. I find that cross-border deal volume is positively associated with management quality differences across countries and firms. Firms with better management practices are more likely to be the acquirers. Acquisition premia paid to the target are positively related to the difference in management quality between the acquirer and target firms. Managers of the target firm are more likely to quit when the acquiring firm has better management practices. Lastly, target firms are less likely to be divested post-acquisition when acquirer firms have better management practices. My results indicate that management as a strategic intangible asset plays an important role in the cross-border acquisition plans, activities and outcomes.