In this book, leading experts in the field examine the effects of the recent growth in concentration in the European food retailing sector. In particular, the book develops a number of buyer power propositions and builds on the previous work of several of the authors, to consider how the growth of large supermarket chains affects competition in food retailing. The authors outline the theoretical and policy analysis underpinning the work and assess evidence on the size and growth of supermarket chains across the EU. Whilst not entirely critical, they suggest that there is strong evidence in some countries that supermarkets use their buying power to impose unfair terms and conditions on suppliers, particularly affecting small suppliers. The authors use case studies, to provide an in-depth analysis of four European countries, namely France, Germany, Spain and the UK. The book ends with a discussion of policy issues against a backdrop of likely future trends in concentration in this area. Academics working in the areas of microeconomics and industrial economics as well as those involved in European competition policy more generally, such as lawyers, civil servants and consultancy groups, will find this volume enlightening.

This two-volume collection presents the most important recent articles on empirical issues in industrial organization, related primarily to the analysis of imperfect competition. The papers cover empirical analysis of non-cooperative and cooperative oligopoly, auctions, differentiated product markets, dynamic competition and entry, plus selected work on innovation, vertical contractual relationships, and incentive issues. New research in these areas relies on detailed data for specific industries, typically integrates modern imperfect competition theory into the empirical specifications, commonly uses structural empirical models derived directly from microeconomic theory, and applies modern econometric techniques. This work and the associated techniques play an increasingly important role in antitrust policy, market design and in newly deregulated markets. This collection provides an easily accessible source of the key papers on these topics, which are otherwise not readily available. Empirical Industrial Organization will be of interest to policymakers as well as academics and students.

Competition, Monopoly and Corporate Governance covers three broad themes, each associated with a particular strand of Keith Cowling's own writings in industrial economics and each represented by four specially commissioned papers. Providing a critical perspective on many current issues in industrial economics the themes are as follows: internationalisation, trans-nationalism and technical change; monopoly, oligopoly and social welfare; and corporate governance, mergers and the evolution of industrial structure. These chapters provide a challenge to much of the prevailing orthodoxy. There is also an appreciation of Keith Cowling's long association with the University of Warwick, spanning more than 30 years. A distinguished series of authors have contributed to the book, including several of Europe's best-known industrial economists. Academics, economists and political scientists in the area of industrial economics will find this volume invaluable.