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Umbrella Effects

Author

Listed:
  • Roman Inderst

    (Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt/Main)

  • Frank Maier-Rigaud

    (IESEG School of Management (LEM-CNRS))

  • Ulrich Schwalbe

    (Universität Hohenheim)

Abstract

We analyse the key determinants of umbrella effects, which arise when the price increase or quantity reduction of a cartel diverts demand to substitute products. Umbrella effects arise irrespective of whether non cartelists act as price takers (“competitive fringe”) or respond strategically to the increased demand. Sizable umbrella effects can also arise when non-cartelists are outside the relevant market (in the sense of a SSNIP test), provided that the cartel’s price increase is substantial. Further, a shift of demand to non-cartelists, triggering a price increase, can be induced also when their purchasers themselves benefit from higher demand as rivals purchase from the cartel and pass-on the respective price increase. To identify the actual damage it is thus key to take into account the overall adjustments among cartel members and outsiders as well as their respective, potentially competing purchasers. We also discuss how future analysis of the endogenous formation of cartels with partial market coverage should inform theories of the determinants of umbrella effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Roman Inderst & Frank Maier-Rigaud & Ulrich Schwalbe, 2013. "Umbrella Effects," Working Papers 2013-ECO-17, IESEG School of Management.
    • Handle: RePEc:ies:wpaper:e201317
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Frank Maier-Rigaud & Ulrich Schwalbe, 2013. "Quantification of Antitrust Damages," Working Papers 2013-ECO-09, IESEG School of Management.
    2. Frank P. Maier-Rigaud, 2014. "Toward A European Directive On Damages Actions," Journal of Competition Law and Economics, Oxford University Press, vol. 10(2), pages 341-360.
    3. Odenkirchen, Johannes, 2017. "Pricing Behavior of Cartel Outsiders in Incomplete Cartels," VfS Annual Conference 2017 (Vienna): Alternative Structures for Money and Banking 168309, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    4. Doose, Anna Maria, 2013. "Methods for calculating cartel damages: A survey," Ilmenau Economics Discussion Papers 83, Ilmenau University of Technology, Institute of Economics.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    umbrella effect; partial cartel; pass-on; cartel effect; quantification of damages; merger effects; private enforcement; standing; market definition; cellophane fallacy; antitrust;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K21 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Antitrust Law
    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets
    • L41 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - Monopolization; Horizontal Anticompetitive Practices

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