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Slowdown antitrust investigations by decentralization

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  • Emilie Dargaud
  • Armel Jacques

Abstract

When multi-product firms make simultaneous price-fixing agreements in different markets, the introduction of leniency programs may induce firms to compartmentalize their activities. Doing so results in slowdown antitrust investigations and decentralized firm can easily request leniency for a second cartel after the detection of an other. We study how variation of fine reduction may produce procompetitive but also procollusive effects.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Emilie Dargaud & Armel Jacques, 2020. "Slowdown antitrust investigations by decentralization," TEPP Working Paper 2020-05, TEPP.
    • Handle: RePEc:tep:teppwp:wp20-05
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • L22 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Organization and Market Structure
    • L41 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - Monopolization; Horizontal Anticompetitive Practices

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