Publications Archive
RBB publications
How Merger Control Rolls: A Response to Caffarra, Crawford and Valletti 01.02.21
In a recent paper, How tech rolls: Potential competition and ‘reverse’ killer acquisitions, Cristina Caffarra, Gregory Crawford and Tommaso Valletti make the case that merger control should introduce presumptions of anticompetitive harm when large tech companies seek to “buy” rather than “build”. Simon Bishop and Stephen Lewis evaluate these arguments. They conclude that the arguments of Caffarra, Crawford and Valletti are weak and unsubstantiated. We should therefore be extremely wary of deviating from the established practice of detailed case-by-case assessments by introducing presumptions into merger control.
The full document can be downloaded here
Consultation on the CMA Draft Merger Guidelines 26.01.21
The CMA has launched a welcome public consultation regarding proposed updates to its Merger Guidelines. As part of this consultation, RBB Economics has submitted a response that sets out a number of observations on the CMA’s draft which (if followed) we believe would facilitate a more transparent and balanced approach to the assessment of mergers.
The full document can be downloaded here
CMA’s Draft Merger Guidelines: Observations by RBB Economics 18.12.20
The Draft Merger Guidelines seek to enshrine the broadest possible margin of discretion to prohibit mergers. As we explain, these proposals threaten real and potentially very significant costs of over-enforcement for consumers, competition, and the efficient functioning of the UK economy.
RBB’s observations can be downloaded here
The Competition Commission’s Paper on Competition in the Digital Economy 25.11.20
The South African Competition Commission has invited public comments on its recent paper, “Competition in Digital Markets”. The paper discusses a range of topical issues, and sets out how the Commission intends to approach competition enforcement in these markets. The Commission’s request for input is to be welcomed, in particular given the importance of competition in digital markets both locally and globally. RBB Economics has prepared a submission, setting out some observations on the Commission’s paper, and providing certain recommendations on how competition issues in digital markets in South Africa should be assessed.
The full document can be downloaded here
RBB Economics comments on the EC’s Market Definition Notice 21.10.20
The European Commission has launched a welcome public consultation regarding its Notice on market definition. As part of this consultation, RBB Economics has submitted a position paper that sets forth a number of observations on the Notice’s content and on the current role that market definition plays in cases. The paper also provides some recommendations for a next version of the Notice.
The full document can be downloaded here
Value of YouTube to the music industry 26.06.17
RBB Economics, Value of YouTube to the music industry – Paper I – Cannibalization, May 2017
RBB Economics, Value of YouTube to the music industry – Paper II – Growth of all platforms, June 2017
RBB Economics, Value of YouTube to the music industry – Paper III – Promotion, June 2017
RBB Economics, Value of YouTube to the music industry – Paper IV – Value for consumers, June 2017
RBB Economics,Value of YouTube to the music industry – Paper V – Direct value to the industry, June 2017
RBB Economics, Value of YouTube to the music industry – Annex, June 2017
The Joint OFT / CC Commentary on Retail Mergers: FAQs 14.11.11
Comments on proposed changes to EC Commission Guidelines on Vertical Restraints 14.09.09
OFT/CC Joint Merger Assessment Guidelines: Response to Invitation to Comment 14.08.09
The Competitive Effects of Buyer Groups, Economic Discussion Paper, A Report prepared for the Office of Fair Trading 14.01.07
The Response of RBB Economics to the DG Competition Discussion Paper on the Application of Article 82 of the Treaty to Exclusionary Abuses 14.03.06