The largest company in the world is Wal Mart, a retailer. The richest man is the founder of a software company. The most cited company in the magazine headlines is Google, a search engine provider. TVs and newspapers are referred to as the “fourth” and the “fifth” power. Over 5,000 civil servants in Europe work in the regulation of telecoms. The largest deal of the year so far has been that between BellSouth and ATT, two telecoms operators. The second largest deal is between San Paolo IMI and Banca Intesa, two banks.

What do all these businesses have in common? They are all run by companies that operate in multi-sided markets and offer “multiproduct platforms”.

Does the application of competition law take into full accounts the relevant features of competition among multiproduct platforms? This conference will provide the answer.