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The Discrete Charm of Uniform Linear Pricing of an Input Production Joint Venture

Author

Listed:
  • Gianpaolo Rossini

    (University of Bologna, Department of Economics, Bologna, Italy)

  • Cecilia Vergari

    (University of Bologna, Department of Economics, Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

A popular way of obtaining essential inputs is based on the establishment of an input production joint venture (IPJV) in the upstream (U) section of the vertical chain of production by firms competing and selling final goods downstream (D). Different governances may be designed for the management of an IPJV according to the ownership structure, the degree of delegation granted to the IPJV by parent firms and the extent of competition in the D market. Industry optimal arrangements with nonlinear pricing may be hard to implement and may be banned by regulators, mainly in the case of minimal delegation based on coordination (collusion) among the D firms. A handy and endurable governance turns out to be maximal delegation, i.e., an independent IPJV, seasoned with linear uniform pricing, even if this solution may contain some inefficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Gianpaolo Rossini & Cecilia Vergari, 2014. "The Discrete Charm of Uniform Linear Pricing of an Input Production Joint Venture," Czech Economic Review, Charles University Prague, Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Economic Studies, vol. 8(2), pages 68-83, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:fau:aucocz:au2014_068
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Input production joint venture; nonlinear pricing; product differentiation; delegation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L24 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Contracting Out; Joint Ventures
    • L42 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - Vertical Restraints; Resale Price Maintenance; Quantity Discounts

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