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Competition and Mergers with Strategic Data Intermediaries

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  • David Bounie
  • Antoine Dubus
  • Patrick Waelbroeck

Abstract

We analyze competition between data intermediaries collecting information on consumers, which they sell to firms for price discrimination purposes. We show that competition between data intermediaries benefits consumers by increasing competition between firms, and by reducing the amount of consumer data collected. We argue that merger policy guidelines should investigate the effect of the data strategies of large intermediaries on competition and consumer surplus in related markets.

Suggested Citation

  • David Bounie & Antoine Dubus & Patrick Waelbroeck, 2021. "Competition and Mergers with Strategic Data Intermediaries," CESifo Working Paper Series 9339, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_9339
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Legros, Patrick & ,, 2022. "The Sale of Data: Learning Synergies Before M&As," CEPR Discussion Papers 17404, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    data; mergers; competition; consumer surplus;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets
    • L40 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - General
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software

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