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Can consumer surplus decrease with merger efficiencies?

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  • Brito, Duarte
  • Vasconcelos, Helder

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of mergers on consumer welfare within a Cournot model, considering mergers driven by anticipated efficiency gains and potential post-merger entry. In this framework, we demonstrate that: (i) modest efficiencies can make both merger and entry beneficial, benefiting consumers; (ii) moderate efficiencies may deter entry, harming consumers due to the merger; and (iii) significant efficiencies may discourage entry but lead to lower prices, benefiting consumers. This result, therefore, embodies an important policy implication that assessing the overall effect of a merger on consumer surplus requires evaluating merger-specific synergies alongside the likelihood of post-merger entry.

Suggested Citation

  • Brito, Duarte & Vasconcelos, Helder, 2024. "Can consumer surplus decrease with merger efficiencies?," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 239(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:239:y:2024:i:c:s0165176524002155
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2024.111732
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ralph B. Siebert, 2019. "Estimating Differential Dynamic Merger Effects on Market Structure and Entry in Related Markets," Review of Industrial Organization, Springer;The Industrial Organization Society, vol. 55(3), pages 431-458, November.
    2. Anthony M. Marino & Ján Zábojník, 2006. "Merger, Ease Of Entry And Entry Deterrence In A Dynamic Model," Journal of Industrial Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 54(3), pages 397-423, September.
    3. Spector, David, 2003. "Horizontal mergers, entry, and efficiency defences," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 21(10), pages 1591-1600, December.
    4. Stephen W. Salant & Sheldon Switzer & Robert J. Reynolds, 1983. "Losses From Horizontal Merger: The Effects of an Exogenous Change in Industry Structure on Cournot-Nash Equilibrium," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 98(2), pages 185-199.
    5. Allen N. Berger & Seth D. Bonime & Lawrence G. Goldberg & Lawrence J. White, 2004. "The Dynamics of Market Entry: The Effects of Mergers and Acquisitions on Entry in the Banking Industry," The Journal of Business, University of Chicago Press, vol. 77(4), pages 797-834, October.
    6. repec:bla:jindec:v:46:y:1998:i:4:p:525-43 is not listed on IDEAS
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Horizontal mergers; Entry; Synergies; Consumer surplus;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets
    • L41 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - Monopolization; Horizontal Anticompetitive Practices

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