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FTC Approves Final Order Settling Charges That Irving Oil’s Acquisition of ExxonMobil Assets in Maine Was Anticompetitive

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission approved a final order settling charges that Irving Oil’s acquisition of Exxon-Mobil’s diesel and gasoline related assets in Maine was anticompetitive and would have led to higher prices for consumers. The transaction raised competitive concerns in markets for gasoline and distillates terminaling services in the South Portland and Bangor/Penobscot Bay areas. The order settling the FTC’s complaint requires Irving to relinquish the rights to purchase the terminal and pipeline assets in Maine that it acquired from ExxonMobil, except for the right to purchase a 50 percent interest in ExxonMobil’s South Portland terminal.

The Commission vote approving the final order was 5-0. It can be found on the FTC’s website and as a link to this press release. (FTC File No. 101-0021; the staff contact is Robert Friedman, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-3316; see press release dated May 26, 2011)

FTC Approves Final Order Settling Charges of Anticompetitive Conduct Against Southwest Health Alliances, Inc.

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission approved a final order settling charges that Southwest Health Alliances, Inc., d/b/a BSA Provider Network, an association representing 900 physicians in Amarillo, Texas, violated federal law since at least 2000 by fixing the prices its member doctors would charge insurers. The agency alleged this led to higher prices for consumers and employers. The FTC order settling the charges prohibits Southwest Health from similar conduct in the future. The association also settled similar charges brought by the Office of the Texas Attorney General.

The Commission vote approving the final order was 5-0. It can be found on the FTC’s website and as a link to this press release. (FTC File No. 091-0013; the staff contact is John P. Wiegand, FTC Western Region, San Francisco, 415-848-5174; see press release dated May 10, 2011)

The FTC’s Bureau of Competition works with the Bureau of Economics to investigate alleged anticompetitive business practices and, when appropriate, recommends that the Commission take law enforcement action. To inform the Bureau about particular business practices, call 202-326-3300, send an e-mail to antitrust{at}ftc{dot}gov, or write to the Office of Policy and Coordination, Room 394, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W., Washington, DC 20580. To learn more about the Bureau of Competition, read Competition Counts. Like the FTC on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.