[jpsb]

via merges, buyouts etc. Only a hand full of companies now "compete" in many industries. Take the oil industry as an example. Other example would be PC operating systems. Another example might be telecomminication, another example might be naval ship building. Another example might be entertainment, another examble might be broadcasting. etc, etc, etc,

[Alberta's Child]

It's worth noting that these industries in which "only a handful of companies compete" are actually among the least profitable industries in the U.S.

One of the defining characteristics of the U.S. over the last 50-60 years is that small companies generally offer far better growth potential than large ones.

[Toddsterpatriot]

Only a hand full of companies now "compete" in many industries. Take the oil industry as an example.

That's funny. I think Exxon/Mobil has 8% of the gas market in the US. No competition there.