Reference

Volker Nocke, and Patrick Rey, Exclusive Dealing and Vertical Integration in Interlocking Relationships, IDEI Working Paper, n. 833, July 2014, revised September 2014.

Abstract

We develop a model of interlocking bilateral relationships between upstream firms (manufacturers) that produce differentiated goods and downstream firms (retailers) that compete imperfectly for consumers. Contract offers and acceptance decisions are private information to the contracting parties. We show that both exclusive dealing and vertical integration between a manufacturer and a retailer lead to vertical foreclosure, to the detriment of consumers and society. Finally, we show that firms have indeed an incentive to sign such contracts or to integrate vertically

Keywords

vertical relations; exclusive dealing; vertical merger; foreclosure; bilateral contracting;

JEL codes

  • D43: Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
  • L13: Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets
  • L42: Vertical Restraints • Resale Price Maintenance • Quantity Discounts