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Exclusive Contracts and Protection of Investments

Author

Listed:
  • Ilya Segal
  • Michael D. Whinston

Abstract

We consider the effect of a renegotiable exclusive contract restricting a buyer to purchase from only one seller on the levels of noncontractible investments undertaken in their relationship. Contrary to some informal claims in the literature, we find that exclusivity has no effect when all investments are fully specific to the relationship (i.e., are purely "internal"). Exclusivity does matter when investments affect the value of the buyer's trade with other sellers (i.e., have "external" effects). We examine the effects of exclusivity on investments and aggregate welfare, and the private incentives of the buyer-seller coalition to use it.

Suggested Citation

  • Ilya Segal & Michael D. Whinston, 2000. "Exclusive Contracts and Protection of Investments," RAND Journal of Economics, The RAND Corporation, vol. 31(4), pages 603-633, Winter.
    • Handle: RePEc:rje:randje:v:31:y:2000:i:winter:p:603-633
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