DOJ Examining Bargaining-Leverage Economic Theory in Comcast-Time Warner Cable Review

The US Department of Justice is investigating whether an economic theory about bargaining power that has been used to block hospital acquisitions applies to Comcast’s proposed buyout of Time Warner Cable, MLex has learned. The deal’s critics have said the merger of the two largest US cable providers would result in the combined company having the leverage to restrict television and Internet programming — a contention Comcast disputes.