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In the Light of Dynamic Competition: Should We Make Merger Remedies More Flexible?

Author

Listed:
  • Patrice Bougette

    (Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, GREDEG, France)

  • Oliver Budzinski

    (Technische Universität Ilmenau)

  • Frédéric Marty

    (Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, GREDEG, France)

Abstract

Mergers and acquisitions shape industry competition. Effective merger remedies are important for market efficiency and consumer welfare. This paper explores the need for more flexible remedies to address changing markets after mergers. While the EU permits some flexibility with less restrictive remedies, we conceptually advance the design elements of a dual-phase, bifurcated merger control system. This system integrates ex-ante processes with more systematic and comprehensive ex-post measures. Such an approach can address the shortcomings of the current system and, consequently, holds the potential to enhance merger control in dynamic markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrice Bougette & Oliver Budzinski & Frédéric Marty, 2023. "In the Light of Dynamic Competition: Should We Make Merger Remedies More Flexible?," Working Papers AFED 23-01, Association Francaise d'Economie du Droit (AFED).
    • Handle: RePEc:afd:wpaper:2301
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Patrice Bougette & Frédéric Marty & Simone Vannuccini, 2025. "Competition Law Enforcement in Dynamic Markets: Proposing a Flexible Trade-off between Fines and Behavioural Injunctions," Working Papers halshs-05188484, HAL.
    3. Bougette, Patrice & Budzinski, Oliver & Marty, Frédéric, 2025. "Ex-ante versus Ex-post in competition law enforcement: Blurred boundaries and economic rationale," International Review of Law and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).

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    JEL classification:

    • L41 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - Monopolization; Horizontal Anticompetitive Practices
    • K21 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Antitrust Law
    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets

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