Working Paper
Financial Structure and Mergers
Abstract: We study how corporate debt influences the competitive outcomes of horizontal and conglomerate mergers. In contrast to standard models where debt does not affect pricing, our framework shows that mergers can spread fixed debt obligations across a broader product portfolio, creating an "insurance effect" against adverse demand shocks. This effect interacts with the traditional recapture effect from reduced competition. Using numerical simulations and a case study of a major casino merger, we find that debt can either dampen or amplify post-merger price increases, depending on the merger's structure and the market environment.
JEL Classification: L41; L13; K21; G32; G34;
https://doi.org/10.17016/FEDS.2025.080
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File(s): File format is application/pdf https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/feds/files/2025080pap.pdf
Bibliographic Information
Provider: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.)
Part of Series: Finance and Economics Discussion Series
Publication Date: 2025-09-19
Number: 2025-080