Organizational foundations and closures in a regulated environment : Swedish commercial banks 1831-1990

This study analyzes the foundations and closures of the total population of Swedish commercial banks in 1831-1990 using both semi-parametric and parametric event-history methods. With reference to the comparatively rigid control of entries and exits in banking, five hypotheses are formulated: (1) acquisitions constitute the principal reason for closure in banking; (2) the early years are less hazardous for banks than for members of other industries; (3) the survival patterns of banks are related to the freedom of banking operations; (4) the survival rates of banks are positively related to the general economic activity at the time of foundation; and (5) the survival rates of banks are negatively related to the degree to which customer relationships already exist. The findings support the first, second, third and fifth hypotheses; some evidence also favours the fourth hypothesi