Structural Presumptions for Non-horizontal Mergers in the 2023 Merger Guidelines: A Primer and a Path Forward

B-Tier
Journal: Review of Industrial Organization
Year: 2024
Volume: 65
Issue: 1
Pages: 303-345

Authors (2)

Javier D. Donna (not in RePEc) Pedro Pereira (Government of Portugal)

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Abstract The 2023 Merger Guidelines (MGs) change the Agencies’ narrative regarding non-horizontal mergers. They follow a four-pronged approach: (1) They blend horizontal and non-horizontal mergers. (2) They simplify the narrative about non-horizontal mergers. (3) They consolidate and broaden the theories of harm in non-horizontal mergers. (4) They blend economics and law analysis. In this article, we elaborate on these points. We discuss how the MGs’ anticompetitive presumptions apply to non-horizontal mergers, relate them to the economics literature, and provide examples. We finish discussing the economic rationale of the structural presumption involving rivals’ exit concerns due to the exercise of market power and propose a path forward.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:kap:revind:v:65:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s11151-024-09971-z
Journal Field
Industrial Organization
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25