We estimate the deterrence effects of European Commission (EC) merger policy instruments over the 1990-2009 period. Our empirical results suggest that phase-1 remedies uniquely generate robust deterrence as - unlike phase-1 withdrawals, phase-2 remedies, and preventions - phase-1 remedies lead...

There are legal grounds to hear competitors in merger control proceedings, and competitor involvement has gained significance. To what extent this is economically sensible is our question. The competition authority applies some welfare standard while the competitor cares about its own profit. In...

Regionale Beihilfen sind ein zentrales Instrument zur Stärkung der wirtschaftlichen Aktivität benachteiligter Regionen und des regionalen Zusammenhalts im Binnenmarkt. Die Europäische Kommission legt Regeln fest, damit solche Subventionen den Wettbewerb und den Handel innerhalb der EU nicht...

This paper applies a novel methodology to a unique dataset of large concentrations during the period 1990-2002 to assess merger control's effectiveness. By using data gathered from several sources and employing different evaluation techniques, we analyze the economic effects of the European...

Mergers that substantially lessen competition are challenged by antitrust authorities. Instead of blocking anticompetitive transitions straight away, authorities might choose to negotiate with the merging parties and allow the transactions to proceed with modifications that restore or preserve...

Market concentration often leads to unnecessarily high prices and reduced innovation. European merger control positively affects competition and productivity, though not yet perfectly effectively. In times of increased market concentration, merger control needs to be enforced even more...

Marktkonzentration kann oft zu unnötig hohen Preisen und niedriger Innovation führen. Eine effiziente europäische Fusionskontrolle hat positive Auswirkungen auf den Wettbewerb und die Produktivität. In Zeiten von gestiegener Marktkonzentration muss die Fusionskontrolle gerade in digitalen...

Regionale Beihilfen sind ein zentrales Instrument zur Stärkung der wirtschaftlichen Aktivität benachteiligter Regionen und des regionalen Zusammenhalts im Binnenmarkt. Die Europäische Kommission legt Regeln fest, damit solche Subventionen den Wettbewerb und den Handel innerhalb der EU nicht...