Article

An Empirical Analysis of Mergers: Efficiency Gains and Impact on Consumer Prices

Céline Bonnet et Jan Philip Schain

Résumé

In this article, we extend the literature on merger simulation models by incorporating its potential synergy gains into structural econometric analysis. We present a three-step integrated approach. We estimate a structural demand and supply model, as in Bonnet and Dubois (2010). This model allows us to recover the marginal cost of each differentiated product. Then we estimate potential efficiency gains using the Data Envelopment Analysis approach of Bogetoft and Wang (2005), and some assumptions about exogenous cost shifters. In the last step, we simulate the new price equilibrium post merger taking into account synergy gains, and derive price and welfare effects. We use a homescan dataset of dairy dessert purchases in France, and show that for two of the three mergers considered, synergy gains could offset the upward pressure on prices post. Some mergers could then be considered as not harmful for consumers.

Remplace

Céline Bonnet et Jan Philip Schain, « An Empirical Analysis of Mergers: Efficiency Gains and Impact on Consumer Prices », TSE Working Paper, n° 17-765, février 2017.

Référence

Céline Bonnet et Jan Philip Schain, « An Empirical Analysis of Mergers: Efficiency Gains and Impact on Consumer Prices », Journal of Competition Law and Economics, vol. 16, n° 1, mars 2020, p. 1–35.

Publié dans

Journal of Competition Law and Economics, vol. 16, n° 1, mars 2020, p. 1–35