In a dynamic game between N retailers and a large number of suppliers, I show that inefficient contracting emerges as a mechanism to implement collusion among retailers, building on the natural 'complementarity' between retail and wholesale prices. When efficient collusion is not sustainable,...

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...