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Vertical merger: monopolization for downstream quasi-rents

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  • Richard S. Higgins

    (Bates White, Washington, DC, USA)

Abstract

This paper provides a welfare analysis of vertical merger between an input monopolist and downstream firms that compete perfectly in a homogeneous product market. The distinguishing feature of the present model is that the downstream firms face capacity constraints. As a result of downstream quasi-rents, vertical merger-the extent of merger is gauged by the capacity share of the acquired downstream firm-may either raise or lower final output. An analytical criterion for distinguishing pro- and anti-competitive mergers is derived, which relies entirely on pre-merger market quantities and the capacity share of the downstream target. A common result is that vertical merger is output-increasing even when unaffiliated downstream rivals are completely foreclosed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard S. Higgins, 2009. "Vertical merger: monopolization for downstream quasi-rents," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(3), pages 183-191.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:mgtdec:v:30:y:2009:i:3:p:183-191
    DOI: 10.1002/mde.1444
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Nobuyuki Takashima & Yasunori Ouchida, 2020. "Quality‐improving R&D and merger policy in a differentiated duopoly: Cournot and Bertrand equilibria," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 41(7), pages 1338-1348, October.

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