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Multidivisional firms, internal competition, and the merger paradox

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  • Anthony Creane
  • Carl Davidson

Abstract

Traditional modelling of mergers has the merged firms (insiders) cooperate and maximize joint profits. This approach has several unappealing results in quantity-setting games, for example, mergers typically are not profitable for insiders, but are profitable for non-merging firms (outsiders). We take a different approach and allow for a parent company that can play each insider off one another. In quantity-setting games, with our approach mergers are profitable for insiders, unprofitable for outsiders, socially beneficial, and involve (in a non-monopolizing merger) a small number of firms. Finally, we find that the optimal strategy depends on whether firms compete in quantity or prices.

Suggested Citation

  • Anthony Creane & Carl Davidson, 2004. "Multidivisional firms, internal competition, and the merger paradox," Canadian Journal of Economics, Canadian Economics Association, vol. 37(4), pages 951-977, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:cje:issued:v:37:y:2004:i:4:p:951-977
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