CCI to empanel agencies for economic analysis of markets

The Competition Commission is looking to rope in agencies and institutions to carry out an economic analysis of markets as the watchdog bolsters efforts to curb unfair business practices.

Applications have been sought from institutions and agencies to be empanelled for conducting studies as well as economic analysis of markets, according to a public notice issued by the regulator.

"The Competition Commission of India (CCI) proposes to prepare a panel of reputed institutions/agencies, to carry out surveys and economic analysis of markets for competition law cases," the notice said.

The empanelled entities would be required to conduct surveys to collect primary data and undertake an economic analysis of markets based on secondary data, as and when needed by the CCI.

Over the years, the regulator has been clamping down on unfair business practices across sectors, including realty, auto and pharmaceutical areas. It has also stepped up measures to keep a tab as well as tackle anti-competitive practices.

As per the notice inviting Express of Interest (EoI), the work to be undertaken by the empanelled entities are broadly categorised into two -- surveys and microeconomic analysis of markets.

These would include "market surveys for collection and analysis of data on variables relating to consumer behaviour, local specification requirements, barriers to entry and exit, availability of substitutes to a relevant product" among other factors on a case to case basis, the notice said.

To understand the competitive strategies of firms in terms of pricing, agreements at different levels of production and distribution chain and other aspects, the entities might also have to carry out "strategy surveys". This would help in enforcement actions by the CCI.

Initially, the empanelment of an agency or institution would be for three years and the same could be renewed for another three years depending on performance.