January 10, 2008

Vertical foreclosure: a policy framework

Beleid om uitsluiting te voorkomen niet altijd nodig

Press release
Exclusieve contracten en integratie tussen producenten, toeleveranciers en/of verkopende bedrijven (zoals winkelketens en energiebedrijven) zijn in veel gevallen niet schadelijk. Exclusieve contracten en integratie kunnen weliswaar tot uitsluiting van concurrenten leiden, maar er zijn ook belangrijke positieve effecten.

We are sorry, unfortunately there is no English translation of this page.

In such industries, integration and exclusive contracts between vertically related firms may have important welfare enhancing effects, but can also deny or limit rivals' access to input or customers, leading to foreclosure. Foreclosure can harm welfare if it reduces competition. This document provides policymakers with a framework to assess the potential for welfare reducing foreclosure of vertical integration and vertical restraints and describes possible remedies. The framework consists of four steps. Each step requires its own detailed analysis.

  • First, market power should exist either upstream or downstream.
  • Second, a theory of foreclosure should be formulated that explains why foreclosure is a profitable equilibrium strategy.
  • Third, the existence and magnitude of potential welfare enhancing effects of the vertical restrains or vertical integration should be assessed.
  • Fourth, suitable policies to address foreclosure should be found.

Downloads

Authors

Michiel Bijlsma
Viktoria Kocsis
Victoria Shestalova
Gijsbert Zwart