Has the construction of a European level playing field in terms of policy solutions in
the merger control field led to a de facto standardisation of European corporate modes
of representation? This study challenges scholars who have predicted the development
of a European mode of representation that would accompany the shift of competences
from the national to the European level of governance.
Following the establishment of a generic framework of design of corporate
political strategies – based on the management literature – and adapted to the
European merger control regime context, French and British firms’ corporate political
strategies are thoroughly analysed. The comparison refines the original analytical
framework. Moreover the conclusions of the comparative study show differences in
corporate political strategies along national lines, although a certain degree of
convergence can be identified. There are traditional tendencies in choosing strategies
– although the efficiency of strategies can be assessed case-by-case.
These conclusions are, in turn, analysed in terms of Europeanization. The latter
concept is defined as a horizontal and vertical process related to the existence of the
European level of governance. Unlike current conclusions of the Europeanization
literature this research project highlights five main themes of differences between
French and British corporate political strategies. In light of these themes the extent to
which the Europeanization process affects interest intermediation needs to be
qualified. Both the horizontal and vertical flows have an impact on corporate political
activity. However, this impact should not be over stated. National constructs and
traditions still matter in the design of corporate political strategies