Graduation Year

2021

Date of Submission

5-2021

Document Type

Open Access Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Economics

Reader 1

Professor Dass

Terms of Use & License Information

Terms of Use for work posted in Scholarship@Claremont.

Rights Information

© 2021 Cade K Moffatt

Abstract

This paper examines characteristics of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) as determinants of post-acquisition success. I collected data on all SPACs which merged with a target firm between 2016 and the start of 2021. The data set controls for a host of variables including the contractual design of the SPAC, management team characteristics, founder compensation structure, key underwriter data, and performance metrics measured throughout the SPAC’s lifecycle. Using a multivariable regression, I find new and robust insights into the SPAC market. Contrary to current literature, I conclude that the misaligned incentives caused by the initial at-risk capital supplied by founders are overstated. Additionally, I find evidence that underwriter characteristics are declining in importance as more institutional investors enter the SPAC market. Finally, I find that redemption rates have a key significant effect on post-acquisition share price growth.

Download

Share

COinS