The effects of geographic expansion on the productivity of Spanish savings banks

This article analyzes the effects of geographic expansion on the productivity of Spanish savings banks. The study uses data from 1992 to 2004, the period when most savings banks expanded geographically. We consider an alternative approach to most multi-stage studies, which uses nonparametric methods both to measure productivity growth and to analyze its relationship with branch office expansion. Specifically, we use nonparametric regression techniques and their natural complement, conditional density estimation. Results indicate that savings banks that expand geographically outside their natural markets achieve greater productivity gains. However, there are some firms for which this result is more moderate. In contrast, lower increases in productivity are found in savings banks that expand on a nationwide basis, or that confine their territorial expansions to their traditional markets.