Equity and cash in intercorporate asset sales : theory and evidence

the authors develop a two-sided asymmetric information model of asset sales that incorporates the key differences from mergers and allows the information held by each party to be impounded in the transaction. Buyer information is conveyed through a first-stage competitive auction. A seller with unfavorable information about the asset accepts the cash offer of the highest bidder. A seller with favorable information proposes a take-it-or-leave-it counteroffer that entails buyer equity. Thus, the cash-equity decision reflects seller, but not buyer, information in contrast to theoretical and empirical findings for mergers. The central prediction of our model is that there are relatively large gains in wealth for both buyers and sellers in equity-based asset sales, whereas cash asset sales generate significantly smaller gains that typically accrue only to sellers. Our empirical results are consistent with the predictions of our theoretical model.Asset sales; means of payment; auctions; two-sided asymmetric information

Divisional Buyouts by Private Equity and the Market for Divested Assets

We study the role and performance of private equity (PE) in corporate asset sales. Corporate sellers obtain significantly positive excess returns in PE deals, gains in wealth significantly greater than for intercorporate asset sales. Based on exit valuations for 98% of PE deals, we find gains in enterprise value in buyouts are significantly greater than for benchmark firms. Corporate seller excess returns are positively correlated with subsequent gains in asset enterprise value. A parsimonious auction model suggests that only restructuring capabilities of PE (not acquisition of undervalued assets) can explain the pattern of the gains generated in these PE deals

Asset sales and the role of buyers: strategic buyers versus private equity

We model bidding behavior and the interaction of private equity and strategic buyers in corporate asset sales. Private equity bidding and in turn seller gains, and type and time of exit, are determined by private equity's ability to enhance the asset's value. Our empirical results show excess returns to sellers are greater for sales to private equity than strategic buyers. Seller gains in private equity deals are related to subsequent increases in asset values and type and time of exit. Value increases during private equity ownership significantly exceed those of benchmark firms

Asset sales and the role of buyers: strategic buyers versus private equity

We model bidding behavior and the interaction of private equity and strategic buyers in corporate asset sales. Private equity bidding and in turn seller gains, and type and time of exit, are determined by private equity's ability to enhance the asset's value. Our empirical results show excess returns to sellers are greater for sales to private equity than strategic buyers. Seller gains in private equity deals are related to subsequent increases in asset values and type and time of exit. Value increases during private equity ownership significantly exceed those of benchmark firms