Tax competition — Greenfield investment versus mergers and acquisitions

In this paper, we analyse tax competition in a model where investor firms have the choice between two types of investment, greenfield investment and mergers and acquisitions. We show that the coexistence of these two types of investment intensifies tax competition in comparison to the case where there is only greenfield investment. If a specific tax on acquisitions is available, this result changes. Then, tax competition is mitigated compared to the pure greenfield case. The existence of an acquisition tax may even lead to corporate overtaxation.

Research highlights► Firms choose between greenfield investment and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). ► The literature on tax competition neglects M&A as a relevant type of transaction. ► The coexistence of greenfield and M&A investment intensifies tax competition. ► If a specific tax on acquisitions is available, tax competition is mitigated. ► The existence of an acquisition tax may even lead to corporate overtaxation.