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Bertrand Competition under Uncertainty

Author

Listed:
  • Maarten C.W. Janssen

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

  • Eric Rasmusen

    (Indiana University)

Abstract

Consider a Bertrand model in which each firm may be inactive with aknown probability, so the number of active firms is uncertain. Thissimple model has a mixed-strategy equilibrium in which industryprofits are positive and decline with the number of firms, the samefeatures which make the Cournot model attractive. Unlike in a Cournotmodel with similar incomplete information, Bertrand profits alwaysncrease in the probability other firms are inactive. Profits declinemore sharply than in the Cournot model, and the pattern is similar tothat found by Bresnahan & Reiss (1991).

Suggested Citation

  • Maarten C.W. Janssen & Eric Rasmusen, 1998. "Bertrand Competition under Uncertainty," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 98-083/1, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:19980083
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    References listed on IDEAS

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