List Price Collusion

Abstract Firms sometimes collude by agreeing on increases in list prices. Yet, the efficacy of such price collusion is subject to discussion as colluding firms might, principle, deviate secretly from elevated prices granting their customers discounts. This article reviews cases USA and Europe, it presents a theory harm suggesting that combination anchoring, orientation reference points, loss aversion may render effective raising transaction prices—even if set non-coordinated fashion.