Strategic Product Choice in Differentiated Markets

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Widespread diversification of firms compels viewing them as a portfolio of activities rather than as entities competing independently in separate markets. This paper posits that product specification or product choice is a distinct strategic variable. In particular, the optimal relationship between the new and existing products of an oligopolistic firm is examined. In the absence of market size inequalities, clustering or market invasion is shown to be the Nash solution to the product choice game when firms play strategically.