Business Commons^™

Should Synergy Alone Be Accepted As Justification For Premia Paid In M&A?, Sebastian Araguas

University Honors Theses

Synergy is often used by management as justification to pay, and oftentimes overpay, for acquisitions. This paper explores the phenomenon of synergy being used as justification for overpayment in various M&A transactions, and the impact it has on value for shareholders. Current methods of valuation are compiled, summarized, and examined for potential areas of conflict, challenges with post merger integration are explored, and real world examples of improper integration and overpayment are examined. We find that the current methods of valuation leave room for error based on hubris and personal interest, that the realization of synergy is often much more …