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A Theory of Conglomerate Mergers

Author

Listed:
  • Zhijun Chen

    (Monash university)

  • Patrick Rey

    (TSE-R - Toulouse School of Economics - UT Capitole - Université Toulouse Capitole - Comue de Toulouse - Communauté d'universités et établissements de Toulouse - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement)

Abstract

We present a theory of conglomerate mergers and explore the effect of portfolio differentiation due to the heterogeneity of consumption synergy derived from product bundling. The differentiation of product portfolios reduces competition and leads to higher prices for stand- alone products in highly concentrated markets. As a result, conglomerate mergers benefit consumers who purchase bundled products from the merged entity but can harm those who prefer to mix-and-match standalone products. We demonstrate that a conglomerate merger increases total consumer surplus if the merged firm continues to sell standalone products, but it can be detrimental to consumers if the firm commits to pure bundling. Our analysis provides important policy implications for assessing conglomerate merger cases.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhijun Chen & Patrick Rey, 2026. "A Theory of Conglomerate Mergers," Working Papers hal-05489350, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-05489350
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-05489350v1
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    2. Paul Heidhues & Mats Köster & Botond Kőszegi & Botond Köszegi, 2024. "A Theory of Digital Ecosystems," CESifo Working Paper Series 11332, CESifo.
    3. Paul Heidhues & Mats Köster & Botond Kőszegi, 2024. "A Theory of Digital Ecosystems," ECONtribute Discussion Papers Series 329, University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany.
    4. Axel Gautier & Leonardo Madio & Shiva Shekhar, 2025. "Network Externalities and Platform Strategy: Agency, Bundles Entry, and Integration," CESifo Working Paper Series 11711, CESifo.
    5. Martin Peitz, 2024. "The Economic Theory of Two-Sided Platforms," CRC TR 224 Discussion Paper Series crctr224_2024_584, University of Bonn and University of Mannheim, Germany.

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