Impact of Mergers & Acquisitions Announcements on Stock Prices

This study examines the impact of M&A announcements on stock prices in India, by utilizing event study methodology and a dataset of 15 announcements. It identifies dynamic trends in stock performance before and after theannouncements. The Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH), which posits that the market incorporates all relevant information, is evident in stock price volatility. The post-COVID-19 market environment has heightened investor caution due to substantial losses. The research, covering M&A announcements from 2014 to 2023, uniquely contributes by analysing pre- and post-COVID investor sentiments. Although substantial results were produced, the analysis of Abnormal Returns (AR) and Cumulative Average Abnormal Returns (CAAR) indicates that M&A announcements did not significantly impact overall stock performance, thereby supporting the EMH. These findings provide valuable insights into market responses to M&A in India, benefiting investors, business strategists, policymakers, and other stakeholders.