Examining Links between Pre and Post M & A Value Creation Mechanisms d Exploitation, Exploration and Ambidexterity in Central European SMEs

Bauer, Florian and Strobl, Andreas and Dao, Mai Anh and Matzler, Kurt and Rudolf, Nicole (2018) Examining Links between Pre and Post M & A Value Creation Mechanisms d Exploitation, Exploration and Ambidexterity in Central European SMEs. Long Range Planning, 51 (2). pp. 185-203. ISSN 0024-6301

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Abstract

Value creation in acquisitions is a complex topic with divergent theoretical roots and mixed empirical evidence. In empirical research, the study of strategic fi t between an acquirer and target as an important indicator of synergy often yields ambiguous fi ndings, for two major reasons: the conceptualization of the fi t construct and that construct ’ s missing link with issues of post-merger integration. In this paper, we apply exploration and exploitation as different concepts of learning to conceptualize the strategic fi t among organizations involved. We do not draw a direct relationship regarding M & A performance, but instead treat the success of post-acquisition exploration and exploitation as a mediator in the fi t-performance relationship. With a sample of 101 acquisitions of small and medium-sized fi rms from the German-speaking part of Europe, we fi nd evidence for our proposed hypotheses. First, fi t regarding these two learning modes im- proves performance; second, a synergistic effect exists between exploration and exploitation; third, ambidextrous post-merger devel- opment in exploration and exploitation negatively affects M & A performance; and fourth, acquisition experience bene fi ts the transfer of pre-merger strategic fi t to the success of post-merger activity. Based on those fi ndings, we derive implications for theory and practice.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Long Range Planning
Additional Information:
This is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Long Range Planning. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Long Range Planning, 51, 2, 2018 DOI: 10.1016/j.lrp.2016.07.002
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2000/2003
Subjects:
?? financestrategy and managementgeography, planning and development ??
ID Code:
125389
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
04 Jul 2018 15:38
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
26 Jan 2024 01:22