The impact of merger and acquisition announcements on firms' stock performance : evidence from Hong Kong stock market

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of merger and acquisition (M&A) announcements made by companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, acquiring domestic Hong Kong firms and cross border firms within Hong Kong from 2007 until 2012. The event study methodology is employed to detect whether abnormal returns exist around the announcement day. A sample size of 44 events is utilized. This study found that the M&A announcement effect is significant over the event period (day -2 to day 2) for those companies when the estimation period is day -90 to day -30. Investors can earn abnormal return by trading an acquiring company 2 days before the announcement date.