Pharma M&A versus alliances and its underlying value drivers

From a capital market perspective, the author analyzes Merger and Acquisitions transactions (M&A) and in-licensings in the pharmaceutical industry between 1998 and 2012. Utilizing the event study methodology, the volume shows that M&A experiences significant, negative cumulative average abnormal returns whereas in-licensings are able to create value. But what are the underlying value drivers which make a deal a success or a failure story? The author derives significant innovative determinants of success for both strategies.

Heiko Schön studied international business administration at Wiesbaden Business School. He was scholar of the German National Merit Foundation (sdw), he owns an Executive MBA from the University of Münster and earned his PhD at the University of Darmstadt. He brings in 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and chemical industry.