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Incomplete Contracts, Irreversible Investments and Entry Deterrence

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  • Antonio Nicita
  • Massimiliano Vatiero

Abstract

When renegotiation under incomplete contracts follows the outside option principle, hold-up may occur as the ex-post degree of competition increases on investor’s side. However, under this framework, asset specificity may play the counterintuitive role of an entry deterrence device, thus decreasing the probability of hold-up. Our result contrasts with standard literature in three respects: i) an equilibrium with overinvestment may emerge; ii) the 'intimidating effect' of overinvestment acts as an endogenous enforcement device; iii) a pervasive trade-off may emerge between ex-post efficient entry and ex-ante efficient specific investments

Suggested Citation

  • Antonio Nicita & Massimiliano Vatiero, 2009. "Incomplete Contracts, Irreversible Investments and Entry Deterrence," Department of Economics University of Siena 566, Department of Economics, University of Siena.
    • Handle: RePEc:usi:wpaper:566
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    strategic and specific investments; hold-up; outside options; entry deterrence;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D23 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Organizational Behavior; Transaction Costs; Property Rights
    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation
    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation

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