30 Examples of Monopolies and Oligopolies

Monopolies and Oligopolies

The monopoly and the oligopoly are economic market structures (context where the exchange of goods and services between individuals) that occur when there is imperfect competition within the market. In cases of imperfect competition there is no natural balance between supply and demand to determine the prices of goods or services.

In both models, there are entry barriers that are very difficult to overcome for companies or groups trying to enter the market. This can be due to the difficulty in obtaining a resource, the cost of technology, government regulations.

Monopoly characteristics

Oligopoly characteristics

Consequences of monopoly and oligopoly

Monopoly and oligopoly often lead to an impoverishment of the market and a weakening of that sector of the economy. The lack of genuine competition can generate a lack of innovation or improvement of the services provided by companies.

In these models the producer has all the control and very little risk. The consumer loses because the lack of competition or unfair competition causes a rise in prices and a decrease in production.

Examples of monopolies

1. Microsoft. Multinational technology company.
2. Telmex. Mexican telephone company.
3. Saudi Arambo. Saudi Arabian state oil company.
4. NiSource Inc. Natural gas and electricity company in the United States.
5. Facebook. Social media service.
6. Aysa. Argentine public running water company.
7. Telephone. Multinational telecommunications company.
8. Telecom. Argentine telecommunications company.
9. Google. Most used search engine on the web.
10. Manzana. Electronic equipment and software company.
11. Pemex. Mexican state oil producer.
12. Peñoles. Exploitation of Mexican mines.
13. Televisa. Mexican media.

Examples of oligopolies

1. Pepsico. Multinational food and beverage company.
2. Nestle. Multinational food and beverage company.
3. Kellogg's. Multinational agri-food company.
4. Danone. French agri-food company.
5. Nike. Sporting goods design and manufacturing company.
6. Bimbo group. Multinational bakery.
7. Visa. Financial services multinational.
8. Mc Donald´s. American chain of fast food outlets.
9. The real. French cosmetics and perfumery company.
10. Mars. Multinational food producer.
11. Mondeléz. Multinational food and beverage company.
12. Intel. Integrated circuit manufacturer.
13. Walmart. Shops and supermarkets.
14. Unilever. Multinational producer of food, hygiene and personal hygiene items.
15. Procter & Gamble (P&G). Multinational producer of food, hygiene and personal hygiene items.
16. Lala Group. Mexican food company.
17. AB inbev. Multinational manufacturer of beers and beverages.