"Explaining Cross-Supplies" (replaces the old version which did not contain the graphs)

Cross-supplies describe the phenomenon that two or more firms in the same industry supply each other with their final products. A prominent example is the cooperation in the European flat glass industry, which was recently criticized by the European Commission. In a simple model we try to explain what incentives firms may have to use cross-supplies (instead of producing the goods themselves) and what welfare effects cross-supplies have if they are used. Contrary to the ruling of the European Commission we find that cross-supplies are welfare improving whenever they are employed. Furthermore, for a large range of parameters, they are even benefiting consumers.