Browsing by Author "Friday, Megan"

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    The law and economics of potential competition in digital markets
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-04) Friday, Megan; Boshoff, Willem Hendrik; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Economics.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: This research aims to explore how authorities in different jurisdictions respond to potential competition in the online automotive classifieds platform markets. This is done by means of a review of cases in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Australia. This thesis considers how actual competition should be measured within markets as well as how potential competitors are identified and ranked against one another according to the firm that imposes the largest competitive constraint on its rivals. Previous research and literature have identified the method to be used when defining a relevant potential competitor in a market. This thesis evaluates how potential competition considerations should affect the evaluation of a merger or acquisition, specifically in the online automotive classifieds platform markets. Potential competition issues arising in intermediation platform markets exists as more firms are developing their own intermediation platforms and competition authorities are seeking to regulate these firms that bring about novel competition issues compared to those experienced by a traditional firm. This research seeks to provide an understanding to its readers and authorities on how potential competition concerns should be addressed and handled in platform markets, particularly those including a digital element. This research evaluates the literature surrounding this topic by taking a case studies approach.