FTC Approval of Staples-Essendant Merger Exposes Fault Lines on Merger Enforcement
Posted 02/11/19
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s (“FTC”) recent approval of Staples, Inc.’s acquisition of office supply wholesaler Essendant, Inc.—on a party-line three-to-two vote—reveals the agency’s divergent political views on merger enforcement and vertical transactions.
On January 28, 2019, Republican Commissioners Simons (FTC Chair), Phillips and Wilson issued a joint statement in support of their votes to...