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The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comments on an application by chemical company Solvay S.A. for approval to end a 1998 agreement to supply Alventia LLC with a chemical known as HCFC-142b, a raw material for making fluoropolymer which is used in pipes, cable, and other applications.

In 2002, the FTC negotiated a consent agreement with Solvay to resolve competitive concerns stemming from Solvay’s proposed acquisition of another chemical company. Under the 2002 FTC order, Solvay was required to divest its fluoropolymers business in the United States to an FTC-approved buyer within 180 days of acquiring. As part of the FTC order, Solvay agreed to sell its interest in Alventia, a manufacturing joint venture, but to continue to supply Alventia with HCFC-142b.

In its current application, Solvay has requested approval to end its HCFC-142b supply agreement with Alventia. According to the petition, Alventia no longer buys the material from Solvay and both companies have agreed to end the supply agreement.

The FTC is seeking public comments on the application for 30 days, until May 31, 2010, after which it will decide whether to approve Solvay’s request. Comments can be sent to: FTC, Office of the Secretary, Room H-135 (Annex D), 600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC. 20580 or sent via the electronic Web form at https://public.commentworks.com/ftc/solvayalventiasupplyagrmnt.

(FTC File No. 021-0067, Docket No. C-4046; the staff contact is Daniel P. Ducore, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2526; see press release dated May 2, 2002, at http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2002/05/solvayausimont.shtm.)

Copies of the documents mentioned in this release are available from the FTC’s Web site at http://www.ftc.gov and from the FTC’s Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20580. Call toll-free: 1-877-FTC-HELP.

(FYI 18.2010.wpd)