Vertical Mergers Comparison Study

This paper presents three merger case studies where vertical concerns were looked at by multiple authorities. This paper considers in detail the similarities and differences in the assessment of the following mergers: Broadcom/Brocade, Essilor/Luxottica and Ticketmaster/Live Nation. This paper finds that:

• From published decisions it is not always clear how closely authorities follow the ability, incentive and effect framework
• Information sharing was a common source of concern
• Behavioural remedies were attractive to some agencies to attempt to resolve vertical concerns