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Our Expertise




Quantitative economists, we have mastery of all data analysis methods, both standard and advanced (machine learning, clustering, text analysis, etc.). We stand out particularly through our advanced skills in econometrics, surveys, and local and geographical analyses. These empirical methods are always guided by economic theory (microeconomics, industrial economics, game theory) to ensure robust foundations for all our analyses. Different methods can be combined to best address the specific challenges of a case. Regardless of the approach implemented, our analyses and conclusions are always robust and precise. Additionally, depending on the case requirements, we can also deploy specific techniques: process automation (for instance, web data collection or extracting information from documents), the design of data visualization interfaces, or simulation tools.

FOCUS #1 – ECONOMETRICS

  Econometrics is a statistical discipline that enables the modeling of the relationship between an economic variable of interest (e.g., the purchase price of a good) and several explanatory factors (e.g., the characteristics of the good, its purchase date, etc.). This method allows, based on the available data, to isolate the “all else being equal” effect of an explanatory factor on the economic variable studied. Econometrics allows us, for example, to:

  • To estimate the overcharge caused by a cartel to quantify the harm suffered by a direct or indirect victim
  • To analyze trend breaks to better characterize and date the effects of a practice
  • To estimate diversion ratios to define relevant markets and analyze the unilateral effects of a concentration operation
  • To conduct price/concentration analyses to better assess the more or less local nature of competition

See on this subject:

  • Econometrics of Share Auctions, P. Février, R. Préget et M. Visser, CREST Working Paper n° 2002-09, in second revision at Econometrica.
  • Automobile Prices in Market Equilibrium with Unobserved Price Discrimination, I. Durrmeyer, X. D’Haultfoeuille, P. Février, The Review of Economic Studies, October 2019

FOCUS #2 – SURVEYS

  Surveys can be a quick and effective way to gather data about a market. The information collected will feed into more sophisticated economic analyses. Surveys can be useful in many cases. For example:

  • In a concentration case, a survey can collect information on consumer behavior in the event of a price increase to estimate diversion ratios and assess the degree of substitutability between products. This information can then be used to better define relevant markets and evaluate the unilateral effects of the operation.
  • In a case of unfair competition or counterfeiting, a survey can help better quantify the extent of customer diversion. This parameter is important for assessing economic harm.

We intervene in two phases. First, we support our clients throughout the execution of the survey with the appointed surveyor:

  • Development of the survey questionnaire based on the planned analyses
  • Definition of the technical elements for conducting the survey (target population, sample size, etc.)
  • Monitoring the proper conduct of the survey with the appointed surveyor
  • Methodological counter-expertise

Secondly, we analyze the survey data to inform the economic analysis of the case.

FOCUS #3 – LOCAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSES

  In the context of the notification of certain horizontal concentration operations, it is necessary to conduct an analysis of competitive impacts at the local level. It is essential to define the local markets of the relevant points of sale and then estimate the market shares of the parties and their competitors. To make these estimations reliably, quickly, and in line with the expectations of competition authorities, we have developed a dedicated expertise that has been tested and refined in numerous cases. This expertise can also be applied to any other case with local implications requiring the definition of catchment areas and/or analysis of competition within these areas. We intervene at various stages of a concentration operation:

  • Before a potential operation, to support our clients in their strategic reflection
  • In the case of a notification to a competition authority, by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the operation
  • During the design of potential divestiture commitments, by optimizing remedies based on our clients’ objectives

The tools we have developed enable:

  • The identification of overlapping areas based on different definitions of the catchment areas of the target’s points of sale (isochrone, iso-distance, actual footprints, etc.) and decision-making practices
  • The estimation of market shares and other relevant indicators of local competition in overlapping areas, taking into account various edge effect scenarios
  • The production of easily usable deliverables tailored to our clients’ needs (summary of the operation as a whole, detailed market shares by local area, mapping of areas, etc.)
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