However, given that there was now competition in the form of other ferry companies offering crossings to motorists, it became necessary to market the services in a normal business fashion (as opposed to the previous almost monopolistic situation).

"In a monopolistic situation, the grounds are created for a public review of the pricing mechanism," said Ronald Bayer, a professor of public health at Columbia University.

"They have done fantastic things for the book industry ... but there's no doubt they are very, very powerful now and in fact they are getting close to being in a monopolistic situation," she said.

Economists have developed concepts for analysing these gains, and as such they prove useful in assessing the relative efficiency of competitive and monopolistic situations.

"The bid for Consolidated Gold needs this review to make sure a monopolistic situation is not being created."

He took a monopolistic win-lose situation (the owners were the only winners) and made it a classic win-win situation, not only for owners, players, coaches and managers, but also for fans.

Internet service providers (ISPs) : only one (due to monopolistic situation of the unique provider)

We would all benefit from prices being established in a market of free competition and not, as is happening now, in accordance with a monopolistic situation in a market which to be honest is less than transparent.

We need rules to safeguard the free market and to provide protection against monopolistic situations.

"Being the local-loop carrier puts the Bells in a monopolistic situation," said Zeus Kerravala, a Yankee Group analyst.