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Multiproduct firm behaviour in a differentiated market

Author

Listed:
  • Eric Giraud-Héraud
  • Hakim Hammoudi
  • Mahdi Mokrane

Abstract

In this paper we offer a generalization of the circular model of product differentiation by introducing a multiproduct firm facing monoproduct competitors. We prove existence and explicitly characterize equilibrium when transportation costs are quadratic. We exhibit interesting equilibrium features for price policy, market shares, and profits. In equilibrium, the multiproduct firm uses its connected market shares to build asymmetric pricing schemes that allow a fraction of its product line (brands, stores or firms) to be shielded from outside competition and hence extracts maximum consumer surplus. Our results shed some light on the link between product differentiation and mergers and acquisitions activity (M&As).

Suggested Citation

  • Eric Giraud-Héraud & Hakim Hammoudi & Mahdi Mokrane, 2003. "Multiproduct firm behaviour in a differentiated market," Canadian Journal of Economics, Canadian Economics Association, vol. 36(1), pages 41-61, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:cje:issued:v:36:y:2003:i:1:p:41-61
    DOI: 10.1111/1540-5982.00003
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Gabszewicz, Jean J. & Marini, Marco A. & Tarola, Ornella, 2017. "Vertical differentiation and collusion: Pruning or proliferation?," Research in Economics, Elsevier, vol. 71(1), pages 129-139.
    2. Matthias Firgo & Agnes Kügler, 2014. "Auswirkung der Verbundbildung auf die Preise in österreichischen Skigebieten," WIFO Monatsberichte (monthly reports), WIFO, vol. 87(12), pages 851-862, December.
    3. Brandão, António & Correia-da-Silva, João & Pinho, Joana, 2014. "Spatial competition between shopping centers," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 234-250.
    4. Pennerstorfer, Dieter, 2017. "Can competition keep the restrooms clean? Price, quality and spatial competition," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 117-136.
    5. Firgo, Matthias & Kügler, Agnes, 2014. "Detecting Collusion in Spatially Differentiated Markets," Department of Economics Working Paper Series 188, WU Vienna University of Economics and Business.
    6. Tobias Wenzel, 2011. "Deregulation of Shopping Hours: The Impact on Independent Retailers and Chain Stores," Scandinavian Journal of Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 113(1), pages 145-166, March.
    7. Gabszewicz Jean J. & Marini Marco A. & Tarola Ornella, 2019. "Endogenous Mergers in Markets with Vertically Differentiated Products," The B.E. Journal of Theoretical Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 19(1), pages 1-22, January.
    8. Takeshi Ebina & Daisuke Shimizu, 2009. "Sequential Mergers With Differing Differentiation Levels," Australian Economic Papers, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(3), pages 237-251, September.
    9. Akio Kawasaki, 2021. "Optimal number of privatised products in a differentiated mixed oligopoly with free market entry," Australian Economic Papers, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 60(4), pages 651-663, December.
    10. Marco A. Marini, 2018. "Collusive agreements in vertically differentiated markets," Chapters, in: Luis C. Corchón & Marco A. Marini (ed.), Handbook of Game Theory and Industrial Organization, Volume II, chapter 3, pages 34-56, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    11. David Soberman, 2022. "Business Expansion Through Acquisition," Customer Needs and Solutions, Springer;Institute for Sustainable Innovation and Growth (iSIG), vol. 9(3), pages 74-94, December.
    12. Franz Hackl & Michael Hölzl-Leitner & Dieter Pennerstorfer, 2021. "How to Measure Product Differentiation," Economics working papers 2021-01, Department of Economics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria.
    13. Nicoletta Corrocher & Marco Guerzoni, 2009. "The pursuit of variety: creation of new products and strategic differentiation," KITeS Working Papers 020, KITeS, Centre for Knowledge, Internationalization and Technology Studies, Universita' Bocconi, Milano, Italy, revised 2009.
    14. Gabszewicz, J.J. & Marini, M. & Tarola, O., 2015. "Alliance Formation in a Vertically Differentiated Market," LIDAM Discussion Papers CORE 2015030, Université catholique de Louvain, Center for Operations Research and Econometrics (CORE).
    15. Firgo, Matthias & Kügler, Agnes, 2018. "Cooperative pricing in spatially differentiated markets," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 51-67.
    16. Pennerstorfer, Dieter & Weiss, Christoph, 2013. "Spatial clustering and market power: Evidence from the retail gasoline market," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 43(4), pages 661-675.
    17. Gabszewicz, Jean J. & Marini, Marco A. & Tarola, Ornella, 2016. "Vertical Differentiation and Collusion: Cannibalization or Proliferation?," ETA: Economic Theory and Applications 232221, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM).
    18. Dieter Pennerstorfer, 2014. "Price and Quality Competition in Spatial Markets. The Case of Camping Sites," WIFO Working Papers 466, WIFO.
    19. Takatoshi Tabuchi, 2012. "Multiproduct Firms in Hotelling’s Spatial Competition," Journal of Economics & Management Strategy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 21(2), pages 445-467, June.
    20. Jacques Laye & Hervé Tanguy, 2004. "Are neighbors welcome ? e-buyer search, price competition and coalition strategy in the Internet retailing," Working Papers hal-00242928, HAL.
    21. Gabszewicz, Jean J. & Marini, Marco A. & Tarola, Ornella, 2015. "Endogenous Mergers in Vertically Differentiated Markets," MPRA Paper 68318, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    22. Nicoletta Corrocher & Marco Guerzoni, 2015. "Post-Entry Product Introduction: Who Explores New Niches?," Industry and Innovation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(1), pages 18-36, January.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D21 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Theory
    • L11 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Production, Pricing, and Market Structure; Size Distribution of Firms
    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets

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