Markets Wired

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Kinder Morgan Inc.’s proposed acquisition of El Paso Corporation would have been anticompetitive in several natural gas pipeline transportation and gas processing markets. The final FTC order resolving the charges requires Kinder Morgan to sell three natural gas pipelines and other related assets in the Rocky Mountain region.

The Commission vote approving the final order was 4-0-1, with Commissioner Edith Ramirez recused. (FTC File No. 121-0014; Docket No. C-4355; the staff contact is Philip M. Eisenstat, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2769; see press release dated May 1, 2012.)

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.  Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.

(FYI 21.2012.wpd)