A PYMNTS Company

US: Groups demand DOJ to take harsh look at Hillshire, Tyson merger

By  |  July 24, 2014

A total of 82 consumer, community and farm groups have reportedly banded together and sent a letter to the US Department of Justice urging the regulator against an early termination of its review of the proposed merger between Tyson Foods and Hillshire Brands.

Tyson is looking to acquire Hillshire for $7.7 billion, but the DOJ’s Antitrust Division was sent a letter Thursday by the groups urging a second review of the transaction. The letter cited the large scale and reach the merger would have on the food and farming industry n the nation. Tyson is currently the nation’s largest meat processor; the deal would add Ball Park hot dogs and Jimmy Dean sausages to its portfolio.

According to reports, opponents of the deal say it would harm competition in the industry and increase the buying power of Tyson over smaller hog farmers.

Full content: Wall Street Journal

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.