The acquisition of Sanyo by Panasonic, which was the subject of a Second Request in the United States and a Phase 1 investigation in Europe, was cleared in both jurisdictions following the acceptance of remedies that resolved horizontal overlaps in the production of certain portable batteries. The two agencies also investigated horizontal overlaps in the supply of other portable batteries and batteries for electric vehicles in particular, but found that the transaction would cause no serious competitive concerns with regard to such batteries. CRA advised Panasonic and Sanyo throughout the investigations by the US Federal Trade Commission and the European Commission.
Assessing umbrella pricing incentives
When collusive agreements involve a subset of firms in an industry, they may create the incentive and ability for firms that are not participants in the cartel...