A Simple Theory of Predation
26 Pages Posted: 25 Feb 2010
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A Simple Theory of Predation
A Simple Theory of Predation
Date Written: February 25, 2010
Abstract
We propose a simple theory of predatory pricing, based on scale economies and sequential buyers (or markets). The entrant (or prey) needs to reach a critical scale to be successful. The incumbent (or predator) is ready to make losses on earlier buyers so as to deprive the prey of the scale it needs, thus making monopoly profits on later buyers. Several extensions are considered, including markets where scale economies exist because of demand externalities or two-sided market effects, and where markets are characterised by common costs. Conditions under which predation may take place in actual cases are also discussed.
Keywords: Anticompetitive Behaviour, Exclusion, Below-Cost Pricing, Antitrust
JEL Classification: K21, L12, L40
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation