Louisiana is losing public companies and locals may pay the price.

Tulane finance professor Peter Ricchiuti said there is a shrinking number of public companies in the state and those that are taken over by outside businesses tend not to support the local community. That doesn't reflect well on the state as a result, he said in a speech to the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge Wednesday.

Healthcare company Amedisys, formerly one of the largest public companies in the Capital Region behind Lamar Advertising, was acquired by UnitedHealth Group last month . Baton Rouge-based H&E Equipment Services was acquired in June by Herc Rentals. Both companies will maintain a local presence under the new ownership.

"If you have a good idea, Microsoft or Google just buys you before you go anywhere or jus

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