Hostile Takeovers Issues in Public and Corporate Policy

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The ongoing trend of hostile corporate takeovers has been discussed at some length in the press and in the business literature. However, even as terms like golden parachutes, greenmail, and white knights enter the popular lexicon, little has been written about the effects, real or potential, that specific takeovers may have upon the economic base of metropolitan areas, states, or regions that house individual corporate operations. This volume represents a systematic attempt to fill that gap by examining the effects of hostile takeovers, their impact on regional economies and industries, and the policy implications of such takeovers for both the corporation and the public sector. The contributors begin by presenting arguments for and against corporate takeovers, identifying both the strong and weak points on each side of the debate. They then turn to a consideration of economic, legal, ethical, and geographical issues, paying particular attention to interregional issues, legal difficulties involving different levels of government, and interstate differences. Separate chapters are also devoted to foreign direct investment in the United States and the impact of federal tax policy on the takeover process. The contributors conclude with an overview of the corporate impact of takeovers and specific policy recommendations.