FTC
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Record 4,926 premerger filings concerning 1,529 transactions were reported to FTC and Department of Justice in fiscal 2000 under Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, federal bodies state in annual report to Congress. Filings represent 6.1% increase over FY 1999 rate. DoJ and FTC challenged 48 and 32 transactions on anti-competitive grounds, respectively. Among challenges listed by FTC is L'Oreal's $79 mil. acquisition of Carson, which would have resulted in firm controlling three of top five selling ethnic hair care brands. Under an agreement with DoJ, L'Oreal sold Carson's Ultra Sheen and Gentle Treatment brands to Wella (1"The Rose Sheet" Jan. 1, p. 3). Pfizer's $90 bil. acquisition of Warner-Lambert also listed in report; under terms of agreement, Pfizer sold Rid pediculicides line to Bayer Consumer Care