Which of the following hypothetical monopoly firms is least likely to be broken up under anti-trust law? A large agribusiness which buys up large amounts of farmland which it then does not farm. A grocery store that has convinced local banks not to issue loans to other grocery stores that attempt to open nearby. An automotive manufacturer that aggressively undercuts the prices of its competitors' cars until they are driven out of business. A restaurant that formerly had a single competitor, which went out of business because there were not enough customers for both firms to turn a profit. A manufacturing firm that earns profit by raising its prices significantly higher than they would be in a competitive market, but takes no steps to bar new firms from competing with it.

ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
14th Edition
ISBN:9780190931919
Author:NEWNAN
Publisher:NEWNAN
Chapter1: Making Economics Decisions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1QTC
icon
Related questions
Question
**Hypothetical Monopoly Firms and Antitrust Law**

**Question:**
Which of the following hypothetical monopoly firms is least likely to be broken up under anti-trust law?

**Options:**

1. **Option A:** A large agribusiness which buys up large amounts of farmland which it then does not farm.
   
2. **Option B:** A grocery store that has convinced local banks not to issue loans to other grocery stores that attempt to open nearby.
   
3. **Option C:** An automotive manufacturer that aggressively undercuts the prices of its competitors' cars until they are driven out of business.
    
4. **Option D:** A restaurant that formerly had a single competitor, which went out of business because there were not enough customers for both firms to turn a profit.
    
5. **Option E:** A manufacturing firm that earns profit by raising its prices significantly higher than they would be in a competitive market, but takes no steps to bar new firms from competing with it.

**Explanation:**
The question is designed to illustrate concepts related to anti-trust laws, which are intended to promote competition and prevent monopolies and unfair business practices that stifle competition.

- **Option A** involves a large agribusiness that buys farmland but doesn't use it, possibly suggesting land hoarding or preventing competition in the agricultural market.
- **Option B** involves a grocery store exercising control over financing options to prevent competitors from entering the market—an action that could be seen as anti-competitive.
- **Option C** entails an automotive manufacturer engaging in predatory pricing, undercutting prices to drive competitors out of business, a practice typically scrutinized under anti-trust laws.
- **Option D** represents a natural monopoly situation where the competitor went out of business due to market conditions and lack of customers, not necessarily due to unfair practices.
- **Option E** describes a firm that elevates prices but does not take active steps to prevent competition, suggesting that market entry for others is still possible which is less likely to trigger anti-trust intervention.

**Conclusion:**
From these scenarios, firms like the one described in **Option D** are least likely to be broken up under anti-trust law because the competitor exited the market as a result of natural market forces, not directly due to unfair or anti-competitive practices by the remaining firm.
Transcribed Image Text:**Hypothetical Monopoly Firms and Antitrust Law** **Question:** Which of the following hypothetical monopoly firms is least likely to be broken up under anti-trust law? **Options:** 1. **Option A:** A large agribusiness which buys up large amounts of farmland which it then does not farm. 2. **Option B:** A grocery store that has convinced local banks not to issue loans to other grocery stores that attempt to open nearby. 3. **Option C:** An automotive manufacturer that aggressively undercuts the prices of its competitors' cars until they are driven out of business. 4. **Option D:** A restaurant that formerly had a single competitor, which went out of business because there were not enough customers for both firms to turn a profit. 5. **Option E:** A manufacturing firm that earns profit by raising its prices significantly higher than they would be in a competitive market, but takes no steps to bar new firms from competing with it. **Explanation:** The question is designed to illustrate concepts related to anti-trust laws, which are intended to promote competition and prevent monopolies and unfair business practices that stifle competition. - **Option A** involves a large agribusiness that buys farmland but doesn't use it, possibly suggesting land hoarding or preventing competition in the agricultural market. - **Option B** involves a grocery store exercising control over financing options to prevent competitors from entering the market—an action that could be seen as anti-competitive. - **Option C** entails an automotive manufacturer engaging in predatory pricing, undercutting prices to drive competitors out of business, a practice typically scrutinized under anti-trust laws. - **Option D** represents a natural monopoly situation where the competitor went out of business due to market conditions and lack of customers, not necessarily due to unfair practices. - **Option E** describes a firm that elevates prices but does not take active steps to prevent competition, suggesting that market entry for others is still possible which is less likely to trigger anti-trust intervention. **Conclusion:** From these scenarios, firms like the one described in **Option D** are least likely to be broken up under anti-trust law because the competitor exited the market as a result of natural market forces, not directly due to unfair or anti-competitive practices by the remaining firm.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Welfare Cost
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, economics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Economics
ISBN:
9780190931919
Author:
NEWNAN
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Principles of Economics (12th Edition)
Principles of Economics (12th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134078779
Author:
Karl E. Case, Ray C. Fair, Sharon E. Oster
Publisher:
PEARSON
Engineering Economy (17th Edition)
Engineering Economy (17th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134870069
Author:
William G. Sullivan, Elin M. Wicks, C. Patrick Koelling
Publisher:
PEARSON
Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Economics
ISBN:
9781305585126
Author:
N. Gregory Mankiw
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Economics
ISBN:
9781337106665
Author:
Luke M. Froeb, Brian T. McCann, Michael R. Ward, Mike Shor
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Managerial Economics & Business Strategy (Mcgraw-…
Managerial Economics & Business Strategy (Mcgraw-…
Economics
ISBN:
9781259290619
Author:
Michael Baye, Jeff Prince
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education