Inconsistency of Bank Merger and Acquisition Results: A Bibliometric Analysis

This paper examines the literature on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the banking sector, focusing on the inconsistencies in reported results. M&A plays a critical role in shaping the financial landscape, making it essential to understand the factors contributing to these inconsistencies for the benefit of policymakers and practitioners. The study investigates the mixed outcomes associated with M&A in banking, posing the research question: What factors contribute to the variability in financial performance following bank mergers and acquisitions? The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive bibliometric analysis, which has not been adequately addressed in previous studies. It identifies leading authors, impactful journals, and the conceptual structure of keywords related to banking M&A. The research employs bibliometric analysis to assess literature published from 1969 to 2024, utilizing data from 91 documents across 72 sources. This systematic review allows for an examination of trends, authorship, and thematic developments in the field. The findings reveal a significant disparity in the number of publications among authors, with a small group dominating the research output. Additionally, the analysis highlights key themes and methodologies that have emerged in the literature, indicating a need for further exploration of the factors influencing M&A outcomes. In conclusion, the study emphasizes that understanding the inconsistencies in M&A results is crucial for improving future research and practice in the banking sector. The implications suggest that a nuanced approach to M&A strategies, considering the context and motivations behind mergers, is vital for enhancing financial performance. The main take-home message is that a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding M&A can lead to more effective strategies and better outcomes in the banking industry.