THE REDISCOVERY OF VERTICAL MERGER ENFORCEMENT?

By Paul Johnson & Anthony Gamble

Vertical transactions were for a long time a neglected area of merger control. However, with recent changes in the economy and economic theory, competition authorities are rediscovering vertical merger enforcement. This article examines the European Commission’s approach to vertical mergers and the academic and policy debate relating to vertical merger control. It then offers practical suggestions for competition authorities grappling with these issues.