complex monopoly

complex monopoly

a situation defined by UK COMPETITION POLICY as one in which two or more suppliers of a particular product restrict competition between themselves. Complex monopoly is in essence an OLIGOPOLY situation where the firms concerned, although pursuing individual (i.e. noncollusive) policies, nonetheless behave in a uniform manner and produce a result which is noncompetitive (i.e. similar to COLLUSION). The problem is that it is often difficult to distinguish between competitive and noncompetitive situations. For example, if firms charge identical prices, is this reflective of competition (i.e. prices which are brought together because of competition) or a deliberate suppression of competition?

complex monopoly

a situation defined by UK COMPETITION POLICY as one in which two or more suppliers of a particular product restrict competition between themselves. ‘Complex monopoly’ in essence refers to an OLIGOPOLY situation where the firms concerned, although pursuing individual (i.e. non-collusive) policies, nonetheless behave in a uniform manner and produce a result that is non-competitive (i.e. similar to COLLUSION). The problem is that it is often difficult to distinguish between competitive and non-competitive situations. For example, if firms charge identical prices, is this reflective of competition (i.e. prices that are brought together because of competition) or a deliberate suppression of competition?