Asset Sales

Book excerpt: In a new world characterized by more frequent and rich flows of information, with more efficient and plenty of available external capital, how will the – simultaneous – investment and divestment decisions be affected? This book thoroughly covers the main features and relevance of asset sales as an integral component of many companies’ growth strategies in the current and continually evolving corporate finance eco-system. After an introductory section on the relevance of asset sales in corporations (both non-financial and financial), it discusses the corporate asset market and the mechanisms of asset sale transactions. The focus then turns to the theory of finance in asset sales (the efficiency and financing theory) and the extensive empirical literature now available. In light of recent and rapid technological and digital advances, a concluding section presents new perspectives on analyzing asset sales transactions. Chiefly intended as a primer for PhD students and academics, the book offers roadmaps for the empirical research landscape and suggests future research directions.