The economic analysis of competition law: Practices in USA, EU and Turkey

VI ABSTRACT This thesis is discussing economic theory behind three main instruments of competition law with the title "concerted practices, decisions and agreement that distort, restrict or prevent the competition", "abusement of dominant position" and "merger/takeover". Before passing onto analyzing these three instruments of competition law in free market economy that the concept competition conveys not a static stuation but a dinamic process is proved. And than, the economic theory at the bases of what have been above mentioned as instruments competition policy is discussed, and cases of practices are analysed on comparative basis. It is also tired to shed light upon what proposes the practices of competition policies in USA, EU and Turkey serve for in the light of legal regulations and the decisions given by antitrust authorities. In addition, market structures are analyzed from the competition policy perspective and economic analysis of examles in practices is made. Moreover, the quantitative techniques used in the measurement of market power and in the definition of market have been stated, and how these are applied in competition cases also been described. Although it is observed that in the definition of market and in measurement of market power, the quantitative techniques have important role, it is also witnessed that these techniques also requires reliable and qualified data. It is also concluded that in the application of these techniques in relevant cases independent expert associations are needed.