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Mergers, Litigation and Efficiency

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  • Gürtler, Oliver
  • Kräkel, Matthias

Abstract

We consider antitrust enforcement within the adversarial model used by the United States. We show that, under the adversarial system, the Antitrust Authority may try to prohibit mergers also in those cases in which litigation is ine? cient. Even if market concentration and technological disadvantages lead to a significant welfare reduction after merger, from society´s perspective the agency´s lawsuit may be ine? cient. We can show that these ine? ciencies may be aggravated if the takeover is hostile.

Suggested Citation

  • Gürtler, Oliver & Kräkel, Matthias, 2006. "Mergers, Litigation and Efficiency," Bonn Econ Discussion Papers 22/2006, University of Bonn, Bonn Graduate School of Economics (BGSE).
  • Handle: RePEc:zbw:bonedp:222006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    hostile takeover; litigation contest; merger;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L40 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - General
    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
    • K21 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Antitrust Law

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