EE&MC simulation models can be characterised by three steps:
Demand and price elasticities are especially important for merger simulation models. In the case of merger, for example, the merged companies are assumed to have an incentive for price increases. A merger changes the elasticity of demand for the products of the merged company. As a consequence of the price increase the revenue reduces but this reduction can be partially compensated due to changes of demand elasticity. The impact on the demand elasticity depends on the substitutability of the products of the merged companies, as well as on the substitutability of competitive products. Therefore, the choice of a suitable simulation model is a first important step.
There are numerous methods of demand estimation and depending on the individual specifics and plausible assumptions of each case, the appropriate model is implemented.
When estimating demand systems with the aim of retrieving elasticities and predicting price increases, one must be confident that the specification and data used are both adequate.
EE&MC experts are up to date with all modern demand elasticity estimation techniques and have extensive experience in this field of competition economics.