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The Effectiveness of Leniency Programs when Firms choose the Degree of Collusion

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  • Emons, Winand

Abstract

An antitrust authority deters collusion using fines and a leniency program. It chooses the probability of an investigation. Firms pick the degree of collusion: The more they collude, the higher are profits, but so is the probability of detection. Firms thus trade-off higher profits against higher expected fines. If firms are sufficiently patient, leniency is ineffective; it may even increase collusion. Increasing the probability of an investigation at low levels does not increase deterrence. Increasing the probability of an investigation at high levels reduces collusion, yet never completely.

Suggested Citation

  • Emons, Winand, 2018. "The Effectiveness of Leniency Programs when Firms choose the Degree of Collusion," CEPR Discussion Papers 13262, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:13262
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    5. Lenhard, Severin, 2024. "Cartel Stability in Times of Low Interest Rates," VfS Annual Conference 2024 (Berlin): Upcoming Labor Market Challenges 302361, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
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    7. Charistos, Konstantinos & Papadopoulos, Konstantinos G., 2022. "Cartel reporting under passive common ownership," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
    • K21 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Antitrust Law
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • L40 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - General

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