Because of the possibility the merger may not go through, the targ e t
c o m p a n y ’s share price usually carries a “bid premium”, a discount to the
p roposed takeover price (in a cash offer), until the merger or takeover is
finally completed. In a stock off e r, the mechanics of the merger arbitrage
strategy are more complex. The acquirer will offer common stock as a form
of payment, either entirely or part i a l l y. It is more difficult to evaluate the
expected payoffs, as the price of the target firm ’s stock depends on the other
c o m p a n y ’s share price. Usually, when a stock offer is announced, the targ e t
f i rm ’s share price rises, while the share price of the bidding company falls.
The arbitrage strategy usually will involve buying the former and short -
selling the latter.