Competition Economics
Lear specializes in applying economics to antitrust and competition policy questions. Our economists combine an in-depth knowledge of economic theory and cutting-edge statistical and econometric techniques with the ability to present sophisticated economic arguments in a clear and persuasive way.
We have extensive experience in dealing with mergers and acquisitions, abuses of dominance, vertical agreements, cartels and state aid. We provide advice to firms involved in proceedings before National Competition Authorities and the European Commission. We also perform ex-ante assessments of the antitrust risks of specific business decisions.
Lear’s experience spans across a broad range of industries, including telecommunications & media, retailing, transport, chemicals, food products, industrial manufacturing, energy, banking, insurance, recycling and consumer durables. Our clients are some of the major players in these industries.
We also undertake projects and studies for European and National Competition Authorities on antitrust issues. Relevant works carried out by our economists include: an ex-post assessment of two merger decisions for the UK Competition Commission, a study proposing a methodology for the review of merger decisions for the DG Competition of the European Commission and a report on the cost of erroneous interventions under Article 102 (TFEU) for the UK Office of Fair trading.
Have a look at our publications and news on competition economics.
Latest Engagements
Compliance assessment of an intra-group asset transfer with the market economy operator principle
Lear has been appointed by a State-owned Italian company to assess whether an intra-group transfer of assets, without a monetary transfer from the beneficiary company, could lead to the creation of a economic value at the group level, and thus satisfy the market economy operator principle test, meaning that a private investor would have the […] Read more
Compliance assessment in the personal care sector – ongoing
Lear is assisting a producer of personal care products in developing a model aimed at ensuring that bids proposed in the context of tenders are compliant with antitrust provisions. The assignment entails estimating avoidable and long-run incremental costs, which the client can compare to the price offered to make sure that an equally efficient competitor […] Read more
Assistance to an Italian company active in the electronic tolling sector
Lear assisted an Italian company active in the electronic tolling market in a proceeding in front of the Italian Competition Authority, which has been initiated following the company’s decision to change the monthly fee for the use of the highway toll payment device and the related communication addressed to its customers. To support and justify […] Read more
See all >