{"title":"Divisionalization and symmetric product differentiation","authors":"Ramon Fauli-Oller","doi":"10.1007/s40505-024-00274-w","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p>I consider a standard two-stage game of divisionalization in which, in the first stage, two firms choose the number of divisions and, in the second stage, divisions compete independently à la Cournot. Two important assumptions are made. The creation of a division involves a fixed cost, and all divisions sell symmetrically differentiated goods. I obtain that differentiation stimulates the creation of divisions in equilibrium. This effect is so important that prices decrease with the level of product differentiation. As far as welfare is concerned, I obtain that the equilibrium number of divisions is lower than the one that it would maximize social welfare if no intervention at the market stage is feasible.</p>","PeriodicalId":40852,"journal":{"name":"Economic Theory Bulletin","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4000,"publicationDate":"2024-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Economic Theory Bulletin","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s40505-024-00274-w","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q4","JCRName":"ECONOMICS","Score":null,"Total":0}
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Abstract
I consider a standard two-stage game of divisionalization in which, in the first stage, two firms choose the number of divisions and, in the second stage, divisions compete independently à la Cournot. Two important assumptions are made. The creation of a division involves a fixed cost, and all divisions sell symmetrically differentiated goods. I obtain that differentiation stimulates the creation of divisions in equilibrium. This effect is so important that prices decrease with the level of product differentiation. As far as welfare is concerned, I obtain that the equilibrium number of divisions is lower than the one that it would maximize social welfare if no intervention at the market stage is feasible.
期刊介绍：
The purpose of Economic Theory Bulletin is to provide an outlet for research in all areas of Economics based on rigorous theoretical reasoning. The Economic Theory Bulletin together with Economic Theory are the official journals of the Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory.
The Economic Theory Bulletin is intended to publish:
1. Short papers/notes of substantial interest. Content is subject to the same standards as Economic Theory: research in all areas of economics based on rigorous theoretical reasoning and on topics in mathematics that are supported by the analysis of economic problems. Published articles contribute to the understanding and solution of substantive economic problems. Theory papers with the substance and style for other journals that specialize in short papers are welcomed. Corollaries of already known results in the literature are not appropriate for publication.
2. Survey papers that clearly picture the basic ideas at work in the area, the essential technical apparatus that is used and the central questions that remain open.
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