The OECD Competition Committee debated Monopsony and Buyer Power in October 2008. This document includes an executive summary and the documents from the meeting: an analytical note by the OECD, written submissions from Brazil, Canada, Chile, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Japan,...

This paper looks at how market concentration is measured, whether it is increasing, and if so, whether other indicators (output, prices, mark-ups and profits) are consistent with a story of falling competitive intensity. It also explores whether any market power that has been built has endured...

This paper explores the impact of competition on inequality by developing a new model to illustrate how higher profits from market power, and associated higher prices, could influence the distribution of wealth and income. It analyses data from eight OECD countries – Canada, France, Germany,...

Competition authorities have already acquired significant knowledge about the concept of market power and dominance as well as practical experience when assessing anticompetitive practices. However, the introduction of potential new concepts, such as economic moats and entrenchment, may...

This paper explores the interaction between the governmental policies adopted to face the COVID-19 emergency and competition policy. It was prepared as background for a discussion on the role of competition policy in promoting economic recovery held in December 2020.

This paper considers several competition policy challenges related to market power in the digital era, including questions about the relationship between new regulatory concepts related to market power and established enforcement concepts such as dominance. It was prepared as a background note...

The term “utilities” is commonly used to describe the organisations which deliver services – such as the provision of water, electricity, gas or transport – to a community as a whole, typically through fixed networks. In some EU member states activities in the utilities sector are...

This paper sets out the objectives and scope of application of debarment sanctions in different jurisdictions; describes the practical issues associated with their application; and suggests ways to maximise their effectiveness. It was prepared as a background note for discussions on “Director...

This paper was prepared as a background material for a second discussion held at the OECD in June 2015 on Auctions and Tenders. It explores abnormally low tenders as well as partitioning public procurement tenders into lots.

This paper was prepared for a discussion on Tenders and Auctions held at the OECD in December 2014 which aimed to explore useful ideas and guidance to competition authorities on how governments can design auctions and tenders appropriately.