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Incentive Effects of Stock and Option Holdings of Target and Acquirer CEOs

  1. JIE CAI,
  2. ANAND M. VIJH*

Article first published online: 14 AUG 2007

DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6261.2007.01260.x

Issue

The Journal of Finance

The Journal of Finance

Volume 62, Issue 4, pages 1891–1933, August 2007

Additional Information

How to Cite

CAI, J. and VIJH, A. M. (2007), Incentive Effects of Stock and Option Holdings of Target and Acquirer CEOs. The Journal of Finance, 62: 1891–1933. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-6261.2007.01260.x

Author Information

* *Cai is from the LeBow College of Business at Drexel University and Vijh is from the Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa. We have benefited from presentations at the University of Iowa, Drexel University, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation meetings, the Financial Management Association meetings, Fordham University, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Iowa State University, Suffolk University, the University of Central Florida, the University of Kentucky, the University of Nebraska, and Wilfrid Laurier University. We wish to thank Matt Billett, Ben Esty, Jon Garfinkel, Todd Houge, and Erik Lie for useful comments. We are especially obliged to an anonymous referee, an associate editor, and Rob Stambaugh (the editor) for many insightful comments that substantially improved this paper. All errors and omissions are our own responsibility.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 14 AUG 2007
  2. Article first published online: 14 AUG 2007

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ABSTRACT

Acquisitions enable target chief executive officers (CEOs) to remove liquidity restrictions on stock and option holdings and diminish the illiquidity discount. Acquisitions also enable acquirer CEOs to improve the long-term value of overvalued holdings. Examining all firms during 1993 to 2001, we show that CEOs with higher holdings (illiquidity discount) are more likely to make acquisitions (get acquired). Further, in 250 completed acquisitions, target CEOs with a higher illiquidity discount accept a lower premium, offer less resistance, and more often leave after acquisition. Similarly, acquirer CEOs with higher holdings pay a higher premium, expedite the process, and make diversifying acquisitions using stock payment.

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