In their privatization programs, transition governments have frequently given away shares (so-called `mass privatization'), while maintaining significant minority ownership. We explain the rationality of these policies for an expected net-revenue maximizing government. Our argument rests on a...

A model is developed in which an industry of N I firms is privatized. The 'participation' method of privatization is used, whereby firms are sold for cash, but the state retains a proportionate share of ownership. In each firm the new private owner has the opportunity to make a reorganisational...

In low-income countries privatization, if implemented appropriately, may play an important role in generating growth. Using data recently available from Central and Eastern Europe, we therefore investigate the impact of alternative methods of privatization on economic growth. Our analysis...

We investigate, using dynamic panel data techniques, the impact of differences in privatization methods, and in private sector and capital market development, on economic growth in transition economies. Mass privatization is found to be the only privatization method to have had a significant...

In many transition countries privatization has taken the form of distribution of states assets at a zero price (mass privatization), and the state has retained some ownership in many companies.We provide a rationale for these policies in terms of a political feasibility constraint, preventing...