The determinants of acquirer returns in the Turkish stock market

Abstract

This study examines the stock market reaction and the determinants of this reaction to the announcements of company acquisitions for acquiring firms in the Turkish Stock Market during the period 1994-2013. Standard event study methodology is used to measure abnormal returns of acquiring companies during the announcement period. Contrary to the findings in the developed markets, the acquirers in Turkey earn a significant positive cumulative abnormal return of 2.27% during an 11-day announcement period. Acquirer returns are higher in mergers compared to acquisitions, and in same business acquisitions compared to unrelated acquisitions. However, no statistically significant evidence is observed for the effect of a target firm's country of origin (domestic vs cross-border), or public status on the acquirer announcement period returns.