Final answer:
The answer to the student's question is that (D) 'Vertical integration' is the practice among the options given that does not conflict with antitrust laws, unlike price-fixing, market allocation, and bid-rigging schemes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question falls under the umbrella of U.S. antitrust laws, which are intended to protect trade and commerce from unfair business practices. The particular focus here is on horizontal arrangements between business competitors that may conflict with these laws. The question lays out three practices that are clearly prohibited: Price-fixing agreements, Market allocation agreements, and Bid rigging schemes.
These are all examples of collusion that can lead to anti-competitive behavior and harm the marketplace. The correct answer to the question, the example that does NOT conflict with antitrust laws, is D) Vertical integration. Vertical integration is a business strategy where a company acquires or merges with other companies along its supply chain, which can potentially lead to increased efficiency and can be legal under antitrust laws, provided it does not lead to the unfair stifling of competition.