This paper provides empirical evidence on the relationship between cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and innovation. For the empirical analysis a unique firm-level data set is constructed that combines balance sheet data and an M&A database with information on patent applications....

Using a detailed and large data set on cross-border merger and acquisitions we discuss the relationship between theory and observed empirical characteristics: (i) most FDI is in the form of M&As, (ii) firms engaged in M&As seem to be 'market-seeking', (iii) M&As come in waves (the most recent...