Testing of the Positive-Multinational Network Hypothesis: Wealth Effects of International Joint Ventures in Emerging Markets

This article examines announcement effects of 240 international joint ventures undertaken by firms to ascertain their impact on shareholders' wealth. The positive-multinational-network hypothesis suggests that the market reaction should be related to the option value of the venture. To test the positive-multinational-network hypothesis, first the market reaction between ventures into developed and less-developed countries are contrasted. Then, the reaction between ventures that form the basis for initial operations in a country and subsequent operations are contrasted. Results indicate that venture-specific characteristics influence announcement effects and that the positive-multinational-network hypothesis is supported.