This paper focuses on industries that require intensive investment to compete and innovate well before demand materialises (or fails to do so). In these industries, the existence of exit barriers may cause firms to become “zombies” ex post and result in significant underinvestment ex ante....

Throughout history, vertical merger waves have played a crucial role in shaping industries and market structures. However, opinions on the competitive and welfare effects associated with this phenomenon differ. Some argue that vertical merger waves increase market power and enable the exclusion...

We argue that mergers among market laggards (new entrants or innovation challengers) should be treated differently than those involving leaders (established players or first-mover innovators). We show that these mergers can be rivalry-enhancing, either by accelerating entry or promoting...