Use of Economists in Competition Law Investigations

Compass Lexecon economists Ciara Kalmus, Alexander Lynchehaun, Thorunn Helgadottir and Thomas Coibion authored a practice note for Thomson Reuters Practical Law, illustrating how economic analysis is effectively deployed in competition investigations. The note discusses the most common economic techniques and frameworks employed in competition cases, using examples of how economic evidence has specifically been considered by the UK and EU courts and competition authorities.

Scope of this note

Economic analysis often plays a fundamental role in large or complex competition cases. In these cases, economic evidence can, and often will, be considered by the UK and EU courts and competition authorities as part of their analysis. External economists can assist companies under investigation (and their legal teams) by helping build and support legal arguments using economic principles, quantitative analysis and economic models.

This note explains:

• What economists add to competition investigations.
• Which kinds of cases may require economists.
• The types of analyses economists carry out. The note includes specific examples of economic evidence considered by UK and EU courts and competition authorities.

Read the full note here

This practice note was originally published by Thomson Reuters Practical Law here. The views expressed in this paper are the sole responsibility of the author and cannot be attributed to Compass Lexecon or any other parties.