In this paper, we tackle the dilemma of pruning versus proliferation in a vertically differentiated oligopoly under the …

. Within this setting, we study four types of price-fixing agreement: (i) a segment-wide cartel in the premium submarket only …, (ii) a segment-wide cartel in the standard submarket only, (iii) two segment-wide cartels, and (iv) an industrywide cartel …-wide cartel prefers to maintain market shares at pre-collusive levels. The impact on consumer and social welfare critically …