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A Theory of Conglomerate Mergers

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  • Rey, Patrick
  • Chen, Zhijun

Abstract

We present a theory of conglomerate mergers and explore the effect of portfolio differentiation due to the heterogeneity of consumption synergy derived from product bundling. The differentiation of product portfolios reduces competition and leads to higher prices for stand- alone products in highly concentrated markets. As a result, conglomerate mergers benefit consumers who purchase bundled products from the merged entity but can harm those who prefer to mix-and-match standalone products. We demonstrate that a conglomerate merger increases total consumer surplus if the merged firm continues to sell standalone products, but it can be detrimental to consumers if the firm commits to pure bundling. Our analysis provides important policy implications for assessing conglomerate merger cases.

Suggested Citation

  • Rey, Patrick & Chen, Zhijun, 2023. "A Theory of Conglomerate Mergers," TSE Working Papers 23-1447, Toulouse School of Economics (TSE).
    • Handle: RePEc:tse:wpaper:128159
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Choi, Jay Pil & Stefanadis, Christodoulos, 2001. "Tying, Investment, and the Dynamic Leverage Theory," RAND Journal of Economics, The RAND Corporation, vol. 32(1), pages 52-71, Spring.
    2. Dennis W. Carlton & Michael Waldman, 2002. "The Strategic Use of Tying to Preserve and Create Market Power in Evolving Industries," RAND Journal of Economics, The RAND Corporation, vol. 33(2), pages 194-220, Summer.
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    Cited by:

    1. Paul Heidhues & Mats Köster & Botond Kőszegi, 2024. "A Theory of Digital Ecosystems," ECONtribute Discussion Papers Series 329, University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany.
    2. Martin Peitz, 2024. "The Economic Theory of Two-Sided Platforms," CRC TR 224 Discussion Paper Series crctr224_2024_584, University of Bonn and University of Mannheim, Germany.
    3. Paul Heidhues & Mats Köster & Botond Kőszegi & Botond Köszegi, 2024. "A Theory of Digital Ecosystems," CESifo Working Paper Series 11332, CESifo.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Conglomerate mergers; Portfolio differentiation; Bundling;
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