FTC Approves Final Order Preserving Competition in U.S. Markets for Two Types of Orthopedic Devices

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that the $3.3 billion merger between Wright Medical Group, Inc. and Tornier N.V. would likely be anticompetitive. Under the order, first announced in September 2015, the companies are required to sell Tornier’s U.S. rights and assets to its total […]

In Settlement with FTC, National Association of Animal Breeders Agrees to Eliminate Rules That Limit Competition Among its Members

The National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) has agreed to remove provisions in its Code of Ethics that the Federal Trade Commission charged limit competition among its members. The proposed consent order settling the FTC’s allegations requires NAAB to end certain advertising restrictions, remove references to the restrictions from its website and official documents, publish […]

FTC Issues Final Order Preserving Competition for Deeply Discounted General Merchandise

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final consent order settling charges that Dollar Tree Inc.’s $9.2 billion acquisition of Family Dollar Stores, Inc. would likely be anticompetitive. Under the consent order, first announced in July 2015, the companies are required to sell 330 Family Dollar stores to a private […]

FTC Challenges Merger of Companies That Provide Sterilization Services to Manufacturers

The Federal Trade Commission today issued an administrative complaint charging that Steris Corporation’s proposed $1.9 billion acquisition of Synergy Health plc would violate the antitrust laws by significantly reducing future competition in regional markets for sterilization of products using radiation, particularly gamma or x-ray radiation. The Commission also authorized agency staff to seek a temporary […]

FTC Approves Graco’s Application to Divest Liquid Finishing Business Assets to Carlisle Companies

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved an application from Graco Inc. to divest certain liquid finishing businesses and related assets to Carlisle Companies Inc. Under the terms of the Commission’s October 2014 modified final order, Graco is required to divest these assets to settle charges that its acquisition of the […]

FTC Approves Final Orders Requiring Trade Associations to Eliminate Rules that Restrict Competition

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved final orders settling charges in two separate cases alleging that the bylaws of the trade associations restrained competition.   Under the order for the Professional Lighting and Sign Management Companies of America, Inc. (“PLASMA”), the trade association is required to stop restricting the geographic […]

FTC Challenges Proposed Merger of Sysco and US Foods

The Federal Trade Commission today filed an administrative complaint charging that the proposed merger of Sysco and US Foods would violate the antitrust laws by significantly reducing competition nationwide and in 32 local markets for broadline foodservice distribution services. The FTC alleges that if the merger goes forward as proposed, foodservice customers, including restaurants, hospitals, […]

FTC Approves Final Order Preserving Competition in the Market for Nicotine Patches

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that global pharmaceutical company Novartis AG’s consumer health care products joint venture with GlaxoSmithKline would likely be anticompetitive. Under the order, first announced in November 2014, Novartis agreed to divest Habitrol, its branded nicotine replacement therapy patch, as well […]

FTC Proposes to Study Merger Remedies

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comments on a proposal to study the effectiveness of the Commission’s orders in merger cases where it required a divestiture or other remedy. The study would update and expand on the divestiture study the FTC issued in 1999, and should provide information on whether the orders met their […]

Statement of FTC Bureau of Competition Director Deborah Feinstein on Verisk’s Decision to Drop Its Proposed Acquisition of EagleView Technology Corporation

Following yesterday’s announcement by Verisk Analytics, Inc. that it would abandon  plans to acquire EagleView Technology Corporation, the Director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Competition, Deborah Feinstein, said: “The parties’ decision to abandon this transaction preserves competition in the U.S. market for rooftop aerial measurement products used by the insurance industry to assess […]