Publications:
Determinants of Cost Efficiencies in Bank Mergers

by Robert DeYoung

OCC Working Paper 93-1, August 1993.

Abstract
A thick cost frontier methodology is used to estimate pre- and postmerger cost inefficiency in 348 mergers approved by the OCC in 1987 and 1988. The results are not consistent with the traditional "market for corporate control" story in which well-managed acquirers improve the performance of poorly managed targets. Cost efficiency improved in the majority of mergers, but gains were small and were not related to the acquiring bank's efficiency advantage over its target.

Efficiency improved most often when both merger partners were relatively cost inefficient, suggesting that cost savings depend more on the opportunities facing management than the quality of that management. Banks that made acquisitions frequently were relatively successful at capturing postmerger efficiencies, suggesting a role for experience effects.

Disclaimer
As with all OCC Working Papers, the opinions expressed in this paper are those of the author alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or the Department of the Treasury.

Any whole or partial reproduction of material in this paper should include the following citation: DeYoung, Robert, "Determinants of Cost Efficiencies in Bank Mergers," Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, E&PA Working Paper 93-1, August 1993.

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