Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/79652 
Year of Publication: 
2013
Series/Report no.: 
CESifo Working Paper No. 4338
Publisher: 
Center for Economic Studies and ifo Institute (CESifo), Munich
Abstract: 
We show how temporary ownership by private equity firms affects industry structure, competition and welfare. Temporary ownership leads to strong investment incentives because equilibrium resale prices are determined by buyers incentives to block rivals from obtaining assets. These incentives benefit consumers, but harm rivals in the industry. Evaluating optimal antitrust policy, we underscore that an active private equity market can aid antitrust authorities by triggering welfare-enhancing mergers and by preventing concentration in the industry. By spreading the cost of specializing in restructuring over multiple markets, private equity firms have stronger incentives than incumbents to invest in acquiring specialized restructuring skills.
Subjects: 
antitrust
competition policy
leveraged buyouts
mergers and acquisitions
private equity
temporary ownership
JEL: 
G32
G34
L13
L22
L40
Document Type: 
Working Paper
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