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Market Definition: A Sensitivity Analysis

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  • Paul S. Koh

Abstract

Market definition holds significant importance in antitrust cases, yet achieving consensus on the correct approach remains elusive. As a result, analysts routinely entertain multiple market definitions to ensure the resilience of their conclusions. I propose a simple framework for conducting organized sensitivity analysis with respect to market definition. I model candidate market definitions as partially ordered and use a Hasse diagram, a directed acyclic graph representing a finite partial order, to summarize the sensitivity analysis. I use the Shapley value and the Shapley-Shubik power index to quantify the average marginal contribution of each firm in driving the conclusion. I illustrate the method's usefulness with an application to the Albertsons/Safeway (2015) merger.

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  • Paul S. Koh, 2024. "Market Definition: A Sensitivity Analysis," Papers 2407.12774, arXiv.org.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2407.12774
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jean Tirole, 1988. "The Theory of Industrial Organization," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262200716, December.
    2. Paul S. Koh, 2022. "Stable Outcomes and Information in Games: An Empirical Framework," Papers 2205.04990, arXiv.org, revised May 2023.
    3. Aviv Nevo, 2000. "Mergers with Differentiated Products: The Case of the Ready-to-Eat Cereal Industry," RAND Journal of Economics, The RAND Corporation, vol. 31(3), pages 395-421, Autumn.
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