We examine the determinants of the size and composition of corporate boards for a sample of 82 U.S. companies that survived during the period 1935-2000. Our hypotheses lead to predictions that firm size, growth opportunities, merger activity, and geographical expansion are important determinants...

We examine the relation between bidder returns and the probability of CEO turnover in acquiring firms. Using a sample of 714 acquisitions during 1990 to 1998, we find that 47% of CEOs of acquiring firms are replaced within five years, including 27% by internal governance, 16% by takeovers, and...

Two recent papers document a significant relation between valuation multiples and governance indices during the 1990s. We test whether causation runs from governance to valuation or vice versa. We find that valuation multiples during the early 1980s, a period preceding the adoption of the...

In 1931, California became the last U.S. state to adopt limited liability for stockholders. Prior to that, from its inception as a state in 1849, stockholders of California corporations faced pro rata unlimited liability. California's unique liability rule during 1849-1931 provides a natural...

In 1931, California became the last U.S. state to adopt limited liability. Prior to that, from its inception as a state in 1849, stockholders of California corporations faced pro rata unlimited liability. California's unique liability rule during 1849-1931 provides a natural experiment for...

We examine whether disagreement between managers and investors relates to the informativeness of bidder returns around acquisition announcements. We predict that greater disagreement about the merits of an acquisition creates uncertainty about investors' revaluation of acquiring firms, making...

We examine the relation between bidder returns and the probability of chief executive officer (CEO) turnover in acquiring firms. Using a sample of 714 acquisitions during 1990 to 1998, we find that 47% of CEOs of acquiring firms are replaced within 5 years, including 27% by internal governance,...