Takeover deterrence with state ownership: Evidence from China

This study examines the role of Chinese state ownership in deterring takeovers. We document state ownership's reduction in firms’ susceptibility to potential takeovers. Using staggered privatization of the state-owned shareholders of public firms, as shocks to the deterrent effect of the state, we find that state-owned shareholders can insulate their portfolio firms from potential takeovers. The deterrent effect of state ownership is concentrated in strategic industries and well-functioning assets, alleviating managerial short-termism.