But the supposed consumer benefits are often unconvincing.
Any potential consumer benefits should be weighed alongside concerns about harm from reduced competition.
The commission reckoned that any harm done to competitors was outweighed by consumer benefits.
AT&T's claim that a merger would result in substantial consumer benefits is equally unconvincing.
Or, if there are some consumer benefits, are they out of proportion to the risks?
Lacking consumer benefits for its genetically modified crops, the biotech industry is desperately seeking moral legitimacy.
"It's very speculative to say this even offers consumer benefits," Mr. McBride added.
If not consumer benefits, what about the economic benefits of superfast broadband?
Far from violating the antitrust laws, Microsoft's conduct was procompetitive, producing enormous consumer benefits".
†"Consumer Benefits from Increased Competition in Shopping Outlets: Measuring the Effect of Wal-Mart" by Jerry Hausman and Ephraim Leibtag.
Lawmakers celebrate the consumer benefits of apps like Uber, a taxi service, but are loth to amend laws protecting incumbents.
