Skip to main content
Log in

What Role Do Acquisitions Play in Asian Firms' Global Strategies? Evidence from the Medical Sector, 1978–1995

  • Published:
Asia Pacific Journal of Management Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study compares the use of acquisitions by Asian, European, and North American firms operating in the U.S. medical sector between 1978 and 1995. We examine the incidence of acquisitions, the relative emphasis that acquirers place on resource deepening and resource extension, and the post-acquisition retention of acquired resources. We find substantial similarity in the asset-seeking role of acquisitions for medical sector firms from different continents, coupled with intriguing differences concerning what we refer to as asset keeping. The results suggest that there are many common causal factors that underlie the strategies of firms from different regions, but that some regional differences remain.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Amit, R. and P.J.H. Schoemaker. (1993). “Strategic Assets and Organizational Rents.” Strategic Management Journal 14(1), 33-46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Amsden, A.H. (1989). “Asia's Next Giant.” Technology Review May/June, 46-53.

  • Anand, J. and B. Kogut. (1997). “Technological Capabilities of Countries, Firm Rivalry, and Foreign Direct Investment.” Journal of International Business Studies 28, 445-465.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anand, J., Laurence Capron, and Will Mitchell. (2001). Causes and Effects of Resource Redeployment in Domestic and Cross-Border Acquisitions. University of Michigan working paper.

  • Barney, J. (1988). “Returns to Biding Firms in Mergers and Acquisitions: Reconsidering the Relatedness Hypothesis.” Strategic Management Journal 9, 71-78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blonigen, B. and C. Taylor. (2000). “R&D Intensity and Acquisitions and High Technology Industries: Evidence from the U.S. Electronic and Electrical Equipment Industries.” Journal of Industrial Economics 48, 47-70.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cantwell, J. (1989). Technological Innovations and the Multinational Corporation. London, England: Basil Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Capron, L., P. Dussauge, and W. Mitchell. (1998). “Resource Redeployment Following Horizontal Acquisitions in Europe and North America 1988-1992.” Strategic Management Journal 19, 631-661.

    Google Scholar 

  • Capron, L., W. Mitchell, and A. Swaminathan. (2001) “Asset Divestiture Following Horizontal Acquisitions: A Dynamic View,” Strategic Management Journal 22(9), 817-844.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cyert, R.M. and J.G. March. (1963). A Behavioral Theory of the Firm. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dierickx, I. and K. Cool. (1989). “Asset Stock Accumulation and Sustainability of Competitive Advantage.” Management Science 35, 1504-1510.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dunning, J.H. (1990). “The Globalization of Firms and the Competitiveness of Countries.” In J.H. Dunning, B. Kogut, and M. Blomstrom (eds.), Globalization of firms and competitiveness of nations. Lund, Sweden: Lund University Press, pp. 9-57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eun, C.S., R. Kolodny, and C. Scheraga. (1996). “Cross-Border Acquisitions and Shareholder Wealth: Tests of the Synergy and Internalization Hypotheses.” Journal of Banking and Finance 20, 1559-1582.

    Google Scholar 

  • Farhi, Paul and Stuart Auerbach. (1989). “Reports of Bid by Sony Raise Questions: Columbia Pictures Deal Could Renew Fears of Foreign Influence.” Washington Post, September 27, Page B1 (Financial Section).

  • Grant, R.M. (1996). “Towards a Knowledge-Based Theory of the Firm.” Strategic Management Journal 17(Winter Special Issue), 109-122.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hall, B. (1987). “The Effect of Takeover Activity on Corporate Research and Development.” In A. Auerbach (ed.), Corporate Takeovers: Causes and Consequences. Chicago: University of Chicago.

  • Hannan, M.T. and J. Freeman. (1984). “Structural Inertia and Organizational Change.” American Sociological Review 49(2), 149-164.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harrison, J., M.A. Hitt, and R.D. Ireland. (1991). “Synergies and Post-Acquisition Performance: Differences Versus Similarities in Resource Allocations.” Journal of Management 17(1), 173-190.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hennart, J.-F. and Y.-R. Park. (1993). “Greenfield vs. Acquisition: The Strategy of Japanese Investors in the United States.” Management Science 39(9), 1054-1070.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hitt, M.R., R. Hoskisson, R. Ireland, and J. Harrison. (1991). “Effects of Acquisitions on R&D Inputs and Outputs.” Academy of Management Journal 34, 693-706.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huber, G.P. (1991). “Organizational Learning: The Contributing Processes and the Literatures.” Organization Science 2(1), 88-115.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karim, Samina and Will Mitchell. (2000). “Reconfiguring Business Resources Following Acquisitions in the U.S. Medical Sector 1978-1995,” Strategic Management Journal. Special Issue on the Evolution of Business Capabilities 21(10-11), 1061-1081.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kogut, B. and S. Chang. (1991). “Technological Capabilities and Japanese Foreign Direct Investment in the U.S.” Review of Economics and Statistics 73, 401-413.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kogut, B. and U. Zander. (1992). “Knowledge of the Firm, Combinative Capabilities, and the Replication of Technology.” Organization Science 3(3), 383-397.

    Google Scholar 

  • Levitt, B. and J.G. March. (1988). “Organizational Learning.” Annual Review of Sociology 14, 319-340.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mitchell, W. and J.M. Shaver. (2001). “Acquisition Activity and Product Line Scope in the U.S. Medical Sector: Nationality, Corporate Structure, and Resources,” Duke University/University of Minnesota working paper.

  • Nelson, R.R. and S.G. Winter. (1982). An Evolutionary Theory of Economic Change. Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Neven, D. and G. Siotis. (1996). “Technology Sourcing and FDI in the EC: An Empirical Evaluation.” International Journal of Industrial Organization 14, 401-413.

    Google Scholar 

  • Penrose, E.T. (1959). The Theory of the Growth of the Firm. New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prahalad, C.K. and G. Hamel. (1990). “The Core Competence of the Corporation.” Harvard Business Review (May-June), 79-91.

  • Shan,W. and J. Song. (1997). “Foreign Direct Investment and the Sourcing of Technological Advantage: Evidence from the Biotechnology Industry.” Journal of International Business Studies 28, 267-283.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shaver, J. Myles. (1998). “Accounting for Endogeneity when Assessing Strategy Performance: Does Entry Mode Choice Affect FDI Survival?” Management Science 44(4), 571-585.

    Google Scholar 

  • Teece, D.J. (1986). “Profiting from Technological Innovation: Implications for Integration, Collaboration, Licensing, and Public Policy.” Research Policy 15, 285-305.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wernerfelt, B. (1984). “A Resource-Based View of the Firm.” Strategic Management Journal 5, 171-180.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williamson, O.E. (1999). “Strategy Research: Governance and Competence Perspectives.” Strategic Management Journal 20, 1087-1108.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Mitchell, W., Shaver, J.M. What Role Do Acquisitions Play in Asian Firms' Global Strategies? Evidence from the Medical Sector, 1978–1995. Asia Pacific Journal of Management 19, 489–502 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020561407735

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020561407735

Keywords

Navigation