Does insider trading explain price run-up ahead of takeover announcements?

Authors

Angelo Aspris, University of Sydney
Sean Foley, University of Sydney
Alessandro Frino, University of SydneyFollow

RIS ID

117829

Publication Details

Aspris, A., Foley, S. & Frino, A. (2014). Does insider trading explain price run-up ahead of takeover announcements?. Accounting and Finance, 54 (1), 25-45.

Abstract

This study empirically examines the impact of changes in substantial shareholdings ahead of 450 Australian takeover offers between the years 2000 and 2009. Previous studies have attributed a significant proportion of the price run-up effect in takeover targets to insider-trading behaviour. This study examines the contribution of a broad range of public information sources that are known to typically generate market anticipation, including the acquisition of toeholds ahead of takeover announcements. Our findings show no significant pre-bid run-up for takeover targets after considering these sources.We conclude from these results that previous findings attributing pre-bid share price run-up to illegal insider trading may overstate the existence of such conduct.