We examine how a downstream merger affects input prices and, in turn, the profitability of a such a merger under … unions organising workers. If the input suppliers are plant-specific, we find that a merger is more profitable than in a … take part in a merger than being an outsider. For firm-specific input suppliers, on the other hand, results are reversed …

merger by either reducing or increasing both price and quality. Welfare implications are not clear-cut and mergers might …