The firm relocation decision: An empirical investigation

In the current paper, the determinants of firm relocation behaviour in twenty-one countries during the period 1997-1999 are analyzed. We demonstrate that internal growth factors measured by increases, but also decreases, in the workforce induce firm relocation. Firms that serve larger markets relocate more often. It is also demonstrated that relocations are often a result of acquisitions, mergers and take-overs, which are a consequence of external growth.