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Merger Review for Markets with Buyer Power

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  • Simon Loertscher
  • Leslie M. Marx

Abstract

We analyze the competitive effects of mergers in markets with buyer power. Using mechanism design arguments, we show that without cost synergies, mergers harm buyers, regardless of buyer power. However, buyer power mitigates the harm to a buyer from a merger of symmetric suppliers. With buyer power, a merger increases incentives for entry, increases investment incentives for rivals, and can increase investment incentives for merging parties. Because buyer power reduces the profitability of a merger, it increases the profitability of perfect collusion relative to a merger. Cost synergies can eliminate merger harm but also render otherwise profitable mergers unprofitable.

Suggested Citation

  • Simon Loertscher & Leslie M. Marx, 2019. "Merger Review for Markets with Buyer Power," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 127(6), pages 2967-3017.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jpolec:doi:10.1086/702173
    DOI: 10.1086/702173
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    Cited by:

    1. José Luis Moraga‐González & Evgenia Motchenkova & Saish Nevrekar, 2022. "Mergers and innovation portfolios," RAND Journal of Economics, RAND Corporation, vol. 53(4), pages 641-677, December.
    2. Eric Barrette & Gautam Gowrisankaran & Robert Town, 2020. "Countervailing Market Power and Hospital Competition," NBER Working Papers 27005, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Armel Jacques, 2019. "Les enjeux du rachat de Vindémia : quelques éléments de théorie économique," Post-Print hal-03546561, HAL.
    4. Motta, Massimo & Tarantino, Emanuele, 2021. "The effect of horizontal mergers, when firms compete in prices and investments," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    5. Simon Loertscher & Leslie M. Marx, 2021. "Coordinated Effects in Merger Review," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 64(4), pages 705-744.
    6. Nathan H. Miller & Gloria Sheu, 2021. "Quantitative Methods for Evaluating the Unilateral Effects of Mergers," Review of Industrial Organization, Springer;The Industrial Organization Society, vol. 58(1), pages 143-177, February.
    7. Schmitz, Patrick W., 2023. "The proper scope of government reconsidered: Asymmetric information and incentive contracts," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    8. Chambolle, Claire & Christin, Clémence & Molina, Hugo, 2023. "Buyer power and exclusion: A progress report," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    9. Loertscher, Simon & Marx, Leslie M., 2019. "Merger review with intermediate buyer power," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).
    10. Simon Loertscher & Leslie M. Marx, 2022. "Incomplete Information Bargaining with Applications to Mergers, Investment, and Vertical Integration," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 112(2), pages 616-649, February.

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