Convergence of Non-financial Companies’ Capital Structure in Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

This paper explores the convergence of financial systems in selected CEE countries, by examining the typical capital structure, and its convergence, of their non-financial companies. It examines the sigma convergence of ratios of the most important financial liabilities to total financial liabilities. It focusses on those liabilities that constitute a significant part of total liabilities. These are equity and investment fund shares, bank loans, debt securities and trade credit. Using the Eurostat database, there is strong evidence for sigma convergence of equity and bank loans. This confirms the banking sector’s key role in continental Europe. In contrast, debt securities and trade credit show only moderate convergence. The 2008 crisis led to increased variance for debt securities and trade credit.