Does Delaware Law Improve Firm Value?

Details

Author(s):
Publish Date:
2001
Publication Title:
Journal of Financial Economics
Format:
Journal Article Volume 62 Page(s) 525-558
Citation(s):
  • Robert M. Daines, Does Delaware Law Improve Firm Value?, 62 Journal of Financial Economics 525 (2001).

Abstract

I present evidence consistent with the theory that Delaware corporate law improves firm value and facilitates the sale of public firms. Using Tobin’s Q as an estimate of firm value, I find that Delaware firms are worth significantly more than similar firms incorporated elsewhere. The result is robust to controls for firm size, diversification, profitability, investment opportunity, industry, managerial ownership, and unobservable firm heterogeneity. Delaware firms are also significantly more likely to receive takeover bids and be acquired. Results are robust to controls for endogeneity.