Two large, publicly owned firms are contemplating a merger. No operating synergy isexpected. However, because returns on the two firms are not perfectly positively correlated,the standard deviation of earnings would be reduced for the combined corporation. Onegroup of consultants argues that this risk reduction is sufficient grounds for the merger.Another group thinks that this type of risk reduction is irrelevant because stockholders canhold the stock of both companies and thus gain the risk-reduction benefits without all thehassles and expenses of the merger. Whose position is correct? Explain.

Two large, publicly owned firms are contemplating a merger. No operating synergy isexpected. However, because returns on the two firms are not perfectly positively correlated,the standard deviation of earnings would be reduced for the combined corporation. Onegroup of consultants argues that this risk reduction is sufficient grounds for the merger.Another group thinks that this type of risk reduction is irrelevant because stockholders canhold the stock of both companies and thus gain the risk-reduction benefits without all thehassles and expenses of the merger. Whose position is correct? Explain.

Business/Professional Ethics Directors/Executives/Acct

8th Edition

ISBN:9781337485913

Author:BROOKS

Publisher:BROOKS

Chapter5: Corporate Ethical Governance & Accountabililty

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 13.4EC

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