Competition economics and regulation

Decisions made by competition authorities and regulators are based on economic principles where quantitative evidence plays an increasingly crucial role.

PricewaterhouseCoopers' Economics practice can provide practical and empirically-supported solutions in this crucial area. We combine traditional industrial economics with strong quantitative skills, financial fluency and in-depth industry experience to provide expert analysis, evidence and testimony.

We have an intimate understanding of how the regulators and authorities operate, and of the complex economics that drives their decisions. Our reputation for robust empirical analysis is particularly valuable in this area where hard evidence really matters.

Whatever an organisation's challenge, we operate at the interface between economic and commercial reality and we are able to put your case to the authorities in clear, robust and convincing terms.

Potential issues

• You are planning an important merger or acquisition and want to maximise the chances that it will be approved by the competition authorities
• You want to ensure that practices in your company are consistent with the competition rules
• You want to be able to respond robustly to an investigation into alleged anti-competitive practices by a competition authority or court
• You want to present a robust complaint to a competition authority or court
• You want to secure the best possible outcome from a price control review

How we can support you

• We can provide expert economic analysis, evidence and testimony to support your dealings with the competition authority, court or regulator.
• We can assess which potential acquisitions are likely to find favour with competition authorities and what undertakings may be required whilst retaining the commercial logic of the deal.
• We can prepare you for hearings and provide expert witness services during investigations and court proceedings relating to potentially anti-competitive behaviour and during price control reviews.
• We can estimate damages arising from anti-competitive activity.
• We have extensive experience in developing and implementing benchmarking frameworks and in assessing the appropriate level of a company's costs.

PwC's Economics, Competition and Regulation services include

• Case development
• Expert economic analysis
• Compliance programmes
• Damages estimation
• Empirical analysis
• Market definition
• Efficiency analysis
• Cost and output benchmarking
• Econometric analysis
• Merger simulation
• Survey design and analysis
• Profitability analysis
• Cost allocation analysis
• Price control determination
• Business plan review / Market Economy Investor Principle (MEIP)
• Independent expert reports and submissions
• Coaching for key presentations, hearings and meeting