Retained by the FTC to provide expert services in the analysis of the potential effects of a proposed merger of Blockbuster and Hollywood Video. Analysis used a large panel data set to ascertain the price impact of local changes in competition associated with entry and exit of competitor stores, controlling for relevant cost and demand factors. Utilized innovative statistical techniques to quantify likely competitive effects.

In Federal Trade Commission v. Staples, Inc., the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alleged that the proposed merger of Staples, Inc. and its leading rival, Office Depot, Inc., threatened significant harm to consumers. On behalf of the FTC, Bates White Partner Boris Steffen submitted testimony pertaining to market structure and concentration, merger efficiencies, and product pricing and profitability. This case remains state-of-the-art in merger antitrust enforcement.