The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued an administrative complaint challenging the merger of two top suppliers of chloride process titanium dioxide (“TiO2”), a white pigment used in a wide variety of products including paint, industrial coatings, plastic, and paper.
The FTC’s administrative complaint charged that Tronox Limited’s proposed acquisition of competitor Cristal, for US$1.67 billion and a 24% stake in the combined entity, would violate antitrust laws by significantly reducing competition in the North American market (comprised of the United States and Canada) for chloride process titanium dioxide. The FTC alleges that the acquisition, if consummated, would increase the risk of coordinated action among the remaining competitors, and increase the risk of future anticompetitive output reductions by Tronox.
The Commission also authorized agency staff to seek a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in federal court, if necessary, to maintain the status quo pending an administrative trial on the merits.
Full Content: Bloomberg
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
BBVA Pursues Merger Talks with Banco Sabadell
May 1, 2024 by
CPI
EU Antitrust Regulators Investigate Apple’s Mobile Payment System
May 1, 2024 by
CPI
Watchdog Reviews Allegations of Collusion Against Pernod Ricard in India
May 1, 2024 by
CPI
College Sports Leaders in Intensive Talks to Settle NIL Antitrust Case Against NCAA
Apr 30, 2024 by
CPI
EU Investigates Facebook’s and Instagram’s Handling of Disinformation Ahead of Elections
Apr 30, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Economics of Criminal Antitrust
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Navigating Economic Expert Work in Criminal Antitrust Litigation
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
The Increased Importance of Economics in Cartel Cases
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
A Law and Economics Analysis of the Antitrust Treatment of Physician Collective Price Agreements
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Information Exchange In Criminal Antitrust Cases: How Economic Testimony Can Tip The Scales
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI