j. Can you verify that the post-merger total welfare strictly increases in the synergy level a? k. Suppose after the merger, the total output does not change, i.e., Qpre = Qpost. Does the merger increase total welfare? Explain why using only one sentence.

Microeconomic Theory
12th Edition
ISBN:9781337517942
Author:NICHOLSON
Publisher:NICHOLSON
Chapter15: Imperfect Competition
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 15.6P
icon
Related questions
Question

Help me understand part j and part k

Q1. Horizontal Mergers with synergies
The market inverse demand is given by P(Q) = 170 - Q. Initially, four
firms, 1, 2, 3, and 4, have the symmetric constant marginal cost c = 20
and compete à la Cournot. There is no fixed cost. We will explore the
impact of a merger between firms 1 and 2. The newly merged firm is
called m. Following the merger, firm m's constant marginal cost reduces
to cm = 20 x with 0 < x < 20 representing the synergy resulting from
the merger.
First, consider the market equilibrium prior to the merger.
a.
b.
C.
d.
e.
Next, consider the market equilibrium after the merger. Note that only
firms m, 3, and 4 are still operating in the market.
f.
h.
Write down the profit maximization for firm i, i = 1, 2, 3, 4.
Write down the first-order condition for firm i.
Solve for the symmetric Nash equilibrium in this Cournot
game. In particular, write down each firm's output qe, price pre,
total output Qpre, and each firm's profit pre in equilibrium.
Calculate the pre-merger total welfare Wpre
i.
j.
k.
1
Write down the profit maximization problems for firms
m, 3, and 4 respectively.
Write down the first-order conditions for firms m, 3, and
4 respectively.
merger.
Finally, we compare the equilibrium outcomes before and after the
Solve for the asymmetric Nash equilibrium in this post-
merger Cournot game. In particular, write down firm m's output
qpost, firms 3 and 4's symmetric output post = gost = host, and total
output post
Calculate the post-merger total welfare Wpre.
Find the condition under which the merger is profitable
for firms 1 and 2 jointly (in terms of the synergy level 2).
Can you verify that the post-merger total welfare strictly
increases in the synergy level x?
Suppose after the merger, the total output does not change,
i.e., Qpre = Qpost. Does the merger increase total welfare? Explain
why using only one sentence.
Transcribed Image Text:Q1. Horizontal Mergers with synergies The market inverse demand is given by P(Q) = 170 - Q. Initially, four firms, 1, 2, 3, and 4, have the symmetric constant marginal cost c = 20 and compete à la Cournot. There is no fixed cost. We will explore the impact of a merger between firms 1 and 2. The newly merged firm is called m. Following the merger, firm m's constant marginal cost reduces to cm = 20 x with 0 < x < 20 representing the synergy resulting from the merger. First, consider the market equilibrium prior to the merger. a. b. C. d. e. Next, consider the market equilibrium after the merger. Note that only firms m, 3, and 4 are still operating in the market. f. h. Write down the profit maximization for firm i, i = 1, 2, 3, 4. Write down the first-order condition for firm i. Solve for the symmetric Nash equilibrium in this Cournot game. In particular, write down each firm's output qe, price pre, total output Qpre, and each firm's profit pre in equilibrium. Calculate the pre-merger total welfare Wpre i. j. k. 1 Write down the profit maximization problems for firms m, 3, and 4 respectively. Write down the first-order conditions for firms m, 3, and 4 respectively. merger. Finally, we compare the equilibrium outcomes before and after the Solve for the asymmetric Nash equilibrium in this post- merger Cournot game. In particular, write down firm m's output qpost, firms 3 and 4's symmetric output post = gost = host, and total output post Calculate the post-merger total welfare Wpre. Find the condition under which the merger is profitable for firms 1 and 2 jointly (in terms of the synergy level 2). Can you verify that the post-merger total welfare strictly increases in the synergy level x? Suppose after the merger, the total output does not change, i.e., Qpre = Qpost. Does the merger increase total welfare? Explain why using only one sentence.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 4 steps with 3 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Multiple Equilibria
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, economics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Microeconomic Theory
Microeconomic Theory
Economics
ISBN:
9781337517942
Author:
NICHOLSON
Publisher:
Cengage
Exploring Economics
Exploring Economics
Economics
ISBN:
9781544336329
Author:
Robert L. Sexton
Publisher:
SAGE Publications, Inc
Economics:
Economics:
Economics
ISBN:
9781285859460
Author:
BOYES, William
Publisher:
Cengage Learning