Regulation and Red Tape: Mergers, Monopolies, and the FTC

Since the 19th century, the United States government has intervened to combat the growth of monopolies in our economy. The stakes in these interventions are high. Without government oversight, monopolies can stifle competition, and raise prices for Americans. But with excessive intervention, the government can also damage the economy by preventing companies from growing and innovating. This has led to an ongoing debate on the best strategy for regulating mergers. When should the government stop two companies from joining forces to prevent economic domination and the suppression of competition? When should the government step back and allow companies to join together to promote growth and innovation?

In this first episode of the “Regulation and Red Tape” series, antitrust experts address these questions and consider the impact of the FTC’s proposed merger guidelines.