In most cases, markets are considered more efficent and better off when monopolies are broken up. Why is it hard for governments to do this? If a monopoly splits up, a new one will form from the resulting competitive firms. Sometimes keeping a monopoly intact is the best option when it lowers production costs. Monopolists have a lot of money to fend off antitrust lawsuits. Monopolies produce more social welfare than competitive markets, so breaking them up would have large consequences. Competitive firms cause just as many problems for consumers. Monopolies often have laws to protect them.