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Footloose Multinationals in Belgium?

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Abstract

Using firm level panel data for the years 1996–2001, covering all sectors of the economy, the impact of multinational ownership on the exit decisions of firms located in Belgium is estimated. In this analysis, I clearly distinguish for nationality of ownership, allowing for differences between firms that are foreign-owned and multinationals rooted in the domestic economy. Controlling for various firm- and industry-specific factors, it is found that while foreign multinationals are more likely to shut down operations compared to national firms in both manufacturing and service sectors, domestic multinationals only exhibit significantly higher exit rates in the manufacturing industries. The analysis has important policy implications, especially in terms of the desirability of the large impact of multinational firms on employment and output generation in Belgium.

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Correspondence to Ilke Van Beveren.

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JEL no.

D21, F23, L20, L25

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Van Beveren, I. Footloose Multinationals in Belgium?. Rev World Econ 143, 483–507 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10290-007-0118-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10290-007-0118-8

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