Conglomerate Mergers: Vertical Mergers in Disguise?

The article offers a complementary theory for conglomerate mergers. The central argument is that a conglomerate merger may be a vertical merger in disguise. The acquisition of a non-competing firm takes place to achieve control over the target's distribution channel that otherwise could be used by rival entrants. The analysis shows that an entrant with a very differentiated product is accommodated, and an entrant with a close substitute is foreclosed through a conglomerate merger. There also exist equilibria with partial foreclosure where the entrant is forced onto less efficient distribution channels. Incumbent firms' mergers to achieve foreclosure is socially wasteful.Conglomerate Mergers, Distribution Channels, Foreclosure,