Antitrust Practices and Market Power

Question: Antitrust Practices and Market Power

Research authoritative articles using the news and the DeVry Online Library (http://library.devry.edu) for a recent case of antitrust investigation. You are free to choose a case from any industry and any part of the world.

Based on the case you have selected, answer the following questions.

1. Why was/were the firm(s) investigated for antitrust behavior?

2. Identify some of the costs (pecuniary and nonpecuniary) associated with the antitrust behavior (firms having power in the market). Additionally, note the specific antitrust act (Sherman Act, Clayton Act, etc.) under which the violation was investigated.

3. Given your research and findings, are monopolies and oligopolies (firms demonstrating power) always bad for society? Be sure to provide real world examples of where this may be the case to strengthen your position.

4. Provide at least one example of a case where having a monopoly or oligopoly may actually benefit the society.