Business confidentiality concerns always exist between competitors, and economic data such as fixed and variable costs, margins, staffing, and operating practices can be quite sensitive. Even when complying with antitrust guidelines, usual industry practice precludes benchmark studies that reveal the exact data of any competitor. If producers feel that their input data will not be properly protected, they will not consent to join a benchmark study. Proper confidentiality protection is usually insisted upon as a condition of participation, and if confidentiality is compromised, participation in the study will evaporate. Typically, no type of general publication of actual benchmark results to the public will be allowed by the participants.