Prices and Mergers in a General Model of Multi-Sided Markets

Arbeitspapier

We present a general and tractable oligopoly model of multi-sided platforms with endogenous side and platform choices of heterogeneous end-users, considering any mix of single-homing and multi-homing platforms and in which participating on one side could preclude doing so on others. We show the existence of a unique equilibrium number of end-users and characterize optimal platform pricing. Using the equilibrium conditions, we formally derive (across sides and platforms) switching effects that distort optimal pricing, which can lead to markups exceeding the Lerner index and rule out the classical "cross-subsidization" result. We then provide a unifying framework to analyze multi-sided platform mergers, which rationalizes mixed results from the previous literature by providing, based on the switching effects, a set of conditions that predict the upward pricing pressure post-merger. We show that while optimal pricing is determined by the nature of end-users' side choices, their platform choices are crucial for merger analysis.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: CESifo Working Paper ; No. 10818

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Market Structure, Pricing, and Design: Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection ; Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Voting; Proxy Contests; Corporate Governance ; Production, Pricing, and Market Structure; Size Distribution of Firms ; Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets ; Firm Organization and Market Structure ; Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
• Subject: multi-sided markets ; heterogeneous end-users ; endogenous side choice ; mergers of platforms ; digital platforms

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Bajo-Buenestado, Raúl ; Kinateder, Markus
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Center for Economic Studies and ifo Institute (CESifo)
• (where): Munich
• (when): 2023

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/282506
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:45 AM CET