In this satirical mock advertisement from Parks and Recreation, a local television station promotes a fictional mega-merger between Verizon, Exxon, and Chipotle. We learn that they have formed one of just eight remaining companies in America by the year 2017. The ad cheerfully celebrates the merger while glossing over the disturbing level of market consolidation.
This clip is a clever and funny way to introduce students to oligopoly and market power. It demonstrates how mergers can reduce competition and concentrate economic power in the hands of a few large firms.
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