In the wake of recent convergence initiatives, many countries now adopt a competition-based approach to merger control assessment. Given the emphasis that is placed on competition criteria in these assessments, the influence of wider ‘public interest’ criteria has become increasingly...

This paper applies a novel and intuitive approach based on stock market data to a unique dataset of large concentrations during the period 1990-2002 to assess the effectiveness of European merger control. We analyze the economic effects of the European Commission's merger control decisions and...

Size thresholds exist for overall, national merger review and for assignment to national versus supranational responsibility. I analyse competition effects close to these review thresholds. Firms could strategically pursue competition-reducing mergers before they come under any regulatory...

The paper explores the competition dynamics of the global seed market. It documents the growth strategies of the major seed companies, in particular their M&A activity and their reliance on complex intellectual property strategies in order to offer a one stop shop solution to farmers. Recent...

This paper argues that that it is possible to include privacy concerns in EU competition law while balancing economic efficiency and consumer welfare by the simultaneous application of EU data protection law. The personal data of consumers evidently has monetary value as companies provide...

India is one of the most significant countries of Asia, particularly in terms of its population and growing economy and markets. India has rapidly moved from a 'command and control' economy to free-market principles, and in this regard, one of the major reforms revamped the competition law. The...

In this comprehensive review of ex-post merger studies price effects of horizontal transactions are evaluated. By combining and further analyzing the results of 52 retrospective studies on 82 mergers or merger-like transactions it can be shown that the industry alone is no strong indication for...

This paper applies an intuitive approach based on stock market data to a unique dataset of large concentrations during the period 1990-2002 to assess the effectiveness of European merger control. The basic idea is to relate announcement and decision abnormal returns. Under a set of four...

On the first of August of 2008, the Chinese Antimonopoly Law (hereinafter AML) entered into force. Great expectations were created regarding the impact of the new provisions on business operations in China and international transactions of companies active in the Chinese market. The AML set up,...

This paper considers the interpretation of the substantive test laid down in Article 2 of Regulation 139/2004. It focuses on horizontal mergers in the so-called ‘gap’ cases, which would not result in the creation or the strengthening of a (single or collective) dominant position. In its...