Market reaction to the acquisitions of thrift institutions and banks since the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989.

This study empirically investigates the market reaction to acquisitions of thrift institutions and banks occurring since the passage of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act (FIRREA) of 1989. The study tests several hypotheses related to characteristics of the acquiring firm, the target firm, and the acquisition. The overall market reaction to the acquisitions is negative. The study also reveals that there are cross-sectional factors which influence the share price response. The results of the empirical tests are relevant to depository institutions contemplating acquisitions, to the Resolution Trust Corporation, and to taxpayers.