This insightful book discusses the interaction of sector-specific regulation and competition policy. In particular, it identifies emerging trends and reflects on the nature of network regulation in the energy and telecom industries. Expert contributors examine the recent European Electronic Communications Code (EECC), as well the relevant regulatory framework in the electricity and pharmaceutical sectors. Chapters consider key topics, such as the recent antitrust investigations concerning the excessive price of off-patent drugs and the impact of digitalization on the future of network industries. The book also assesses several examples of the complex relationship between sector-specific regulation and competition policy; a relationship constantly swinging between complementarity and conflict. Providing a comparative analysis of EU competition policy at both the EU and national levels, this timely book will be a valuable resource for scholars and students of EU competition policy. It will also be beneficial for practitioners, specialising in the regulation of the telecom, energy and pharmaceutical industries.

This insightful book assesses emerging trends in the role of economic analysis in EU competition policy, exploring how it has substantially increased in terms of both theories and methods. Expert contributors examine the jurisprudence of the EU Court of Justice, which has become more supportive of effect-based analysis in EU competition policy. Chapters consider key topics including the role of economic analysis in relation to defining the relevant market, the challenges of competition policy enforcement in the telecom and digital markets, and economic methods to estimate damages in cases of private enforcement of EU competition law. The book also discusses the challenges faced by judges in reviewing the economic evidence relied on by competition agencies in their decisions and how these may be overcome. Providing a comparative analysis of EU competition policy at both the EU and national levels, this book will be a valuable resource for scholars and students of EU competition policy. It will also be beneficial for practitioners specialising in competition law and economics.

Granting rebates to a customer or refusing to supply a competitor are examples of ordinary commercial practices, which become 'abusive' under Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU) when carried out by 'dominant' firms. This topical book provides an up-to-date account of the emerging trends in the enforcement and interpretation of this provision at both the EU and national level. Employing a range of case studies, this illuminating book adds a cross-country perspective to the ongoing debate surrounding the scope of application of Article 102 of the TFEU; a debate largely caused by its ambiguous wording. Besides analyzing the case law of the EU Courts and EU Commission that determine what conduct falls in the 'abuse' box, a number of chapters examine the active contribution of national courts and competition authorities in the ongoing process of shaping the meaning of this legal provision. Astute and discerning, this book will appeal to academics and researchers in the areas of EU competition law and policy. Its practical examples will also prove beneficial to practitioners and national competition authorities. Contributors include: M. Botta, R. Karova, M. Marquis, G. Monti, P.L. Parcu, P.A. Perinetto, F. Schuhmacher, H. Schweitzer, M. Siragusa, M.L. Stasi, R. Whish

During the past decade, the use of private enforcement within competition law has gradually increased throughout Europe but major differences still exist among Member States. By harmonizing a number of procedural rules, the implementation of the Damages Directive has established a level playing field among EU Member States. This book represents the first assessment of the implementation of the Damages Directive at the national level. The contributors explore the topic from a cross-cutting perspective as well as via a set of country case studies. Each chapter focuses on a number of procedural aspects harmonized by the Directive, and analyses the impact of the Directive by taking into consideration the national jurisprudence and the existing legal framework at the national level. By using a comparative lens, this timely book thus provides an up-to-date account of the emerging trends in private enforcement of competition law in Europe. Perceptive and engaging, this book will appeal to students and researchers in EU competition law and policy. Practitioners and national competition authorities will also find it informative and beneficial. Contributors include: M. Botta, P. Burke, J. M. Gonzalez, C. Kruger, J. Maillo, P.L. Parcu, S. Peyer, A.R. Pisarkiewicz, M.A. Rossi, T. Schreiber, S. Solidoro, S.V. Walle

Recent years have seen significant evolution in the European Commission's approach to State aid policy. This thought-provoking book analyses the enforcement of State Aid law in the aftermath of the State aid Modernization initiative, identifying a number of emerging trends at both national and EU level. Eminent scholars unpack the recent developments that have contributed to the decentralization of the enforcement of State Aid law, including the General Block Exemption Regulation which allows a larger number of aid schemes to be implemented by national authorities without prior notification to the European Commission. Timely contributions also consider the increasing role of national courts in the enforcement of State aid rules, as well as the Commission's current reliance on State Aid policy to pursue common objectives of EU interest, thus shaping a de facto EU industrial policy. This discerning book is a key resource for students and scholars specializing in both State Aid law and EU law more widely. Containing detailed analysis of the legal and economic consequences of State Aid Modernization, EU State Aid Law will also interest practitioners, economists, and public officials involved in State Aid enforcement. Contributors include: M. Boccaccio, M. Botta, G. Bruzzone, F. Caliento, S. Donzelli, A. Heimler, M. Merola, G. Monti, P.L. Parcu, F, Pastor-Merchante, J.J. Piernas Lopez, M.A. Rossi, A. Scott, J. Weinzierl, B. Willemot-Nieuwenhuys

Doctoral Thesis / Dissertation from the year 2007 in the subject Economics - Finance, grade: NA, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, language: English, abstract: Using a sample of non-financial listed firms located in the Euro area, I investigate the determinants of capital structure choices. In line with the traditional theoretical approach, I use a market-value measure of leverage, estimated with the Black-Scholes-Merton model. In the cross-section regressions for firm leverage I find that some variables have similar effects across countries, while others may play a different role; risk, measured as the volatility of the market enterprise value, is the best predictor of observed leverage ratios. Risk, and asymmetric information about risk, make debt less attractive, because of higher expected bankruptcy costs, lower expected debt tax shield and higher agency costs. National environments are an important determinant of observed ratios; sector of activity is a relevant factor as well. The integration of Euro-area financial markets varies significantly depending on the market segment considered: money and inter-bank markets are highly integrated, corporate bond and equity markets show a clear path of increasing integration, retail banking markets are much less integrated. Fiscal and bankruptcy rules differ across the twelve countries; the economic background varies as well.

When emerging economies draft competition law and begin to enforce it, they usually draw on the EU and US competition law systems. However, significant country-specific legal and practical variations tend to arise quickly, making it imperative for international business lawyers to acquire more than a passing knowledge of competition legislation and relevant case law in these countries. Now for the first time a thoroughly researched book provides an in-depth empirical analysis of the legal problems raised for competition, and especially for merger control and its enforcement, in emerging economies, using a case study approach in the Brazilian and Argentinean contexts to reveal paradigmatic trends. Brazil and Argentina are chosen not only because they are among the major trading jurisdictions in the developing world, but also because they have each established a track record of over a decade in formulating and enforcing a system of merger control. The author describes and analyses all Brazilian and Argentinean legislation in the field of competition law, as well as the main merger decisions adopted by the competition authorities and the judgements held by the courts of these countries. The book thoroughly covers the system of competition law currently enforced in each country, as well as the main innovations of proposed new competition law currently pending in Brazil. In addition, the author draws on field interviews with competition lawyers and officers of competition authorities conducted between April and July 2008 in Buenos Aires, Brasilia, and Sao Paulo. The analysis considers such issues as the following: * impact of M&As on the level of competition in the markets of developing countries; * enforcement of competition law and the judiciary; * criteria for notification of economic concentrations; * application of econometric tests to define the relevant market and the degree of market concentration in the emerging economies; * structural and behavioural remedies in merger control; * extraterritorial application of competition law; * foreign direct investments and political pressures on the competition authorities of the developing countries; * the effect of cross-border concentrations in the developing countries; * ongoing negotiations between the EU and Mercosur to conclude a free trade area agreement; and * impetus toward regional competition law rules within Mercosur. Although the presentation is based essentially on a legal analysis, an overarching interdisciplinary methodology takes into consideration the economic and political aspects which may favour or hamper the development of competition law in an emerging economy. The author offers a number of policy proposals for improving the enforcement record of a formal institution like the national competition authority, in order to increase its credibility vis-a-vis public opinion, the business community, and the state administration. The core subjects discussed in the book - institutional factors undermining enforcement of competition law in emerging economies, the features of an effective merger control system, and the problems faced by national competition authorities when they review multijurisdictional concentrations - are of central importance in the work of corporate lawyers and government officials charged with regulating and enforcing competition law in emerging economies. For this reason, this book will be highly valuable to such practitioners and policymakers, both for its systematic analysis and for the practical utility generated by its empirical data.