performance. Using a unique dataset on bank branch locations in Poland and county-level and firm-level data, we conclude that a … strong position for local, cooperative banks facilitates access to bank financing, lowers financial costs and boosts … perspective, as they show that foreign bank entry and industry consolidation may raise valid concerns for SME development …

competition. We find that the cost of bank loans is lower for firms facing less intense local product market competition after the …We investigate the influences of local product market competition on the cost of private debt. Our evidence suggests … that the cost of bank loans is significantly higher for firms headquartered in states with greater local product market …