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A Retrospective Evaluation of the GDF/Suez Merger: Effects on the Belgian Gas Hub

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  • Elena Argentesi
  • Albert Banal-Estanol
  • Jo Seldeslachts

Abstract

We present an ex-post analysis of the effects of GDF’s acquisition of Suez in 2006, which created one of the world’s largest energy companies. We perform a series of econometric analyses on the market for trading at the Zeebrugge gas hub in Belgium. Removing barriers to entry and facilitating access to the hub through ownership unbundling were an important part of the objectives of the remedies imposed by the European Commission. Our analyses show a robust price decline after the merger. Additional evidence on traded volumes and number of hub participants is in line with an increased liquidity at the hub after the merger. This suggests the remedies were effective in limiting the potential anti-competitive effects of the merger. Moreover, it suggests that ownership unbundling has generated improved access to the hub. Therefore, remedies may have done more than simply mitigate the potential anti-competitive effects of the merger; they may have effectively created competition.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena Argentesi & Albert Banal-Estanol & Jo Seldeslachts, 2021. "A Retrospective Evaluation of the GDF/Suez Merger: Effects on the Belgian Gas Hub," The Energy Journal, , vol. 42(6), pages 199-228, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:enejou:v:42:y:2021:i:6:p:199-228
    DOI: 10.5547/01956574.42.6.earg
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Philippe Choné & Laurent Linnemer, 2012. "A Treatment Effect Method for Merger Analysis with an Application to Parking Prices in P aris," Journal of Industrial Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 60(4), pages 631-656, December.
    2. Robin A. Prager & Timothy H. Hannan, 1998. "Do Substantial Horizontal Mergers Generate Significant Price Effects? Evidence From The Banking Industry," Journal of Industrial Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(4), pages 433-452, December.
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