Competition

Using state-of-the-art merger analytics, our experts have evaluated the competitive effects of several mergers and acquisitions. We have worked on behalf of clients before the European Commission and various national competition authorities, including the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), and the Autorité de la Concurrence (Adlc).  

We assist clients in undertaking analyses of various aspects of mergers and acquisitions, including: 

• Market definition, market power and closeness of competition
• Unilateral and coordinated effects
• Vertical and conglomerate effects
• Efficiencies and procompetitive effects
• Barriers to entry and dynamic considerations 

In these assignments, we rely on a variety of analytical techniques, including event studies, bid analyses, critical loss analyses, upward pricing pressure analytics and merger simulation. 

We have expertise in assessing all aspects of investigations and enforcement proceedings related to horizontal and vertical agreements. We have supported clients across multiple jurisdictions in assessing allegations of price-fixing, information exchange, bid rigging and market allocation. 

We also have the expertise to assist clients in matters involving vertical restraint allegations, including resale price maintenance, territorial or other restrictions on sales, dual distribution, dual pricing and most-favored-nation clauses. 

For both horizontal and vertical agreements and related practices, we undertake economic analysis to assess: 

• Effects on competition
• Objective procompetitive justifications
• Relevant legal and economic context
• Additional considerations such as impact on environment or labor markets 

We have analysed issues of market power and its abuse to identify whether there is evidence of harmful, exploitative or exclusionary conduct. 

Our experts are well-prepared to undertake economic analysis to advise clients on matters related to: 

• Market definition and existence of dominant position, taking into account countervailing forces
• Leveraging and foreclosure strategies
• Predation, margin squeeze, rebates and other forms of price discrimination   
• Refusal to deal and interoperability-related concerns
• Excessive pricing and imposition of unfair trading conditions 

We have extensive experience assisting companies with economic issues related to EU state aid control. Through our work, we ensure that our clients navigate the complexities of state aid regulations with confidence. Leveraging a diverse range of analytical tools, we have supported numerous organisations in preparing robust economic and financial analyses for state aid applications, investigations, or complaints. 

Our services include:  

• Economic analysis determining whether the aid in question qualifies as state aid under EU regulations
• Evaluation of compliance with the relevant state aid rules
• Ex-post evaluation of the impact of state aid schemes 

Analysis Group has extensive experience assessing damages. Our consultants and affiliated experts build damages models and provide associated testimony in a wide range of competition disputes. We draw on our skills in a variety of empirical approaches to damages, all rooted in academic rigor.  

Examples of our work include performing detailed counterfactual scenario analyses to assess the economic impact of cartels and other anticompetitive behavior. With significant experience in empirical overcharge and pass-on estimation, we can provide robust and reliable estimates of cartel overcharges and associated damages.  

We have extensive experience in representing claimants and defendants in class actions cases. We leverage our deep economic expertise and extensive industry knowledge to provide comprehensive support to clients involved in class action cases. Our capabilities include applying advanced data science tools and methods to collect, aggregate and process large and complex claims datasets. 

We have assisted our clients in matters of compliance with national or EU-level regulations. Besides advising on long-established regulations, our capabilities also include using economic analysis to assess the impact of implementations of novel pieces of regulation and legislation such as the EU’s Digital Markets Act and Foreign Subsidy Regulation or the UK’s Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act.