What term best describes the act of splitting up customers among competing companies?

The act of splitting up customers among competing companies is best described as market allocation. This term refers to an arrangement where companies agree on dividing a market, allowing each to have exclusive rights to a specific segment of customers or geographical area. This practice is generally considered anti-competitive and may violate antitrust laws, as it limits competition and can lead to higher prices for consumers.

Market division, while related, does not specifically capture the act of allocating customers among companies but rather addresses the broader concept of separating markets. Price fixing refers to the practice where competitors agree to set prices at a certain level, which is distinct from dividing customers. Customer segregation is a less common term and does not typically relate to market dynamics in the same context as market allocation does. Therefore, market allocation is the precise term that accurately describes this particular business practice.