Activist Hedge Funds and Takeovers: Their Effects on Employment and Performance

Abstract

This paper analyses the impact of activist hedge funds (AHFs) on post-merger workforce downsizing and operating performance. AHFs have been widely criticized for achieving short-term gains at the expense of other stakeholders, such as employees. The results show that AHF ownership and presence in acquiring firms is a significant determinant of post-merger employment reductions. There is little evidence that these mergers and acquisitions have better operating performance relative to other takeovers. However, there is a negative effect of AHF ownership on labour productivity. Overall, the results are consistent with the view that AHF involvement in takeovers does not lead to sustained gains in performance.