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Multi‐Market Collusion with Demand Linkages and Antitrust Enforcement

By  |  January 5, 2014

Posted by Social Science Research Network

Multi‐Market Collusion with Demand Linkages and Antitrust Enforcement by Jay Pil Choi (Michigan State University – Department of Economics ; CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute)) and Heiko A. Gerlach (University of Queensland – School of Economics)

ABSTRACT: This paper analyzes dynamic cartel formation and antitrust enforcement when firms operate in demand‐related markets. We show that cartel prosecution can have a knock‐on effect: bringing down a cartel in one market reduces profits and cartel stability and leads to the break‐up of the cartel in the adjacent market. Cartel prosecution can also have a waterbed effect: disrupting a cartel increases cartel stability in the adjacent market and induces cartel formation in previously competitive markets. We discuss the impact of dynamic cartel formation on consumer surplus, explore antitrust spillovers, the optimal scope of antitrust interventions and cartel formation with local firms.