The role of timing at Mergers and Acquisitions in the banking industry

We identify 72 bank Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As), in which US banks acquired other financial institutions. We focus on the role of timing at M&A in the context of boom phase and financial crisis. Applying event study methodology, we examine: value generation to bank shareholders; value implications on bank shareholders according to rival banks' M&A considering whether transactions are undertaken prior to or during crisis. Since we identify JPMorgan Chase & Co. as crisis winner, we compare its returns with the results of competitors. The findings partially confirm our hypotheses that a well-performing bank creates value through M&A.