82 FR 28887 - United States, et al. v. The Dow Chemical Co., et al., Proposed Final Judgment and Competitive Impact Statement
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Antitrust Division Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 121 (June 26, 2017)
Antitrust Division
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 121 (June 26, 2017)
| Page Range | 28887-28906 | |
| FR Document | 2017-13326 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 121 (Monday, June 26, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 28887-28906] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-13326] [[Page 28887]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Antitrust Division United States, et al. v. The Dow Chemical Co., et al., Proposed Final Judgment and Competitive Impact Statement Notice is hereby given pursuant to the Antitrust Procedures and Penalties Act, 15 U.S.C. 16(b)-(h), that a proposed Final Judgment, Asset Preservation Stipulation and Order, and Competitive Impact Statement have been filed with the United States District Court for the District of Columbia in United States, et al. v. The Dow Chemical Co., et al., Civil Action No. 1:17-cv-01176. On June 15, 2017, the United States filed a Complaint alleging that the proposed merger of The Dow Chemical Company (``Dow'') and E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company (``DuPont'') would violate Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 18. The proposed Final Judgment, filed at the same time as the Complaint, requires the defendants to divest DuPont's Finesse herbicides business and Rynaxypyr insecticides business, and Dow's acid copolymers and ionomers business. Copies of the Complaint, proposed Final Judgment, and Competitive Impact Statement are available for inspection on the Department of Justice's Web site at http://www.justice.gov/atr and at the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Copies of these materials may be obtained from the Antitrust Division upon request and payment of the copying fee set by Department of Justice regulations. Public comment is invited within 60 days of the date of this notice. Such comments, including the name of the submitter, and responses thereto, will be posted on the Antitrust Division's Web site, filed with the Court, and, under certain circumstances, published in the Federal Register. Comments should be directed to Maribeth Petrizzi, Chief, Litigation II Section, Antitrust Division, Department of Justice, 450 Fifth Street NW., Suite 8700, Washington, DC 20530 (telephone: 202-307-0924). Patricia A. Brink, Director of Civil Enforcement. United States District Court for The District of Columbia United States of America, U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, 450 Fifth Street NW., Suite 8700, Washington, DC 20530, State of Iowa, 1305 East Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50319, State of Mississippi, 550 High Street, Jackson, MS 39201, State of Montana, 555 Fuller Ave., Helena, MT 59601, Plaintiffs, v. The Dow Chemical Company, 2030 Dow Center, Midland, MI 48674 and E.I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company, 974 Centre Road, Wilmington, DE 19805, Defendants. Case No.: 1:17-cv-01176 Judge: Amit Mehta COMPLAINT The United States of America, acting under the direction of the Attorney General of the United States, the State of Iowa, the State of Mississippi, and the State of Montana (collectively, ``Plaintiff States''), acting by and through their respective Offices of the Attorney General, bring this civil action to enjoin the proposed merger of The Dow Chemical Company (``Dow Chemical'') and E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (``DuPont''). I. INTRODUCTION 1. In December 2015, Dow Chemical and DuPont announced that they had agreed to a merger of equals in a transaction with an estimated value exceeding $130 billion. Both Dow Chemical and DuPont are among the largest chemical companies in the world. 2. Dow Chemical and DuPont each make a wide variety of innovative crop protection chemicals used by farmers across the United States. Each company also manufactures a number of petrochemicals, including high-pressure ethylene derivatives that are crucial inputs to a number of important products and industries. 3. The agricultural sector is a large and vital part of the American economy. American farmers grow crops to feed consumers in the United States and abroad, to sustain livestock, and to produce alternative energy to power homes, vehicles, and industries. Every year, American farmers plant tens of millions of acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, and specialty crops, such as fruits, nuts, and vegetables. To meet the needs of a growing population, American farmers rely on a variety of effective crop protection chemical products, including herbicides and insecticides, which protect crops from weeds and insects that damage crops and reduce yield. 4. Dow Chemical and DuPont are two of only a handful of chemical companies that manufacture certain types of crop protection chemicals. Vigorous competition between Dow Chemical's and DuPont's crop protection chemicals has benefitted farmers through lower prices, more effective solutions to certain pest and weed problems, and superior service. In particular, Dow Chemical and DuPont compete in the U.S. sales of broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat and insecticides for chewing pests. That competition would be lost if the merger is consummated. Accordingly, the proposed acquisition likely would substantially lessen competition in the markets for certain crop protection chemicals in the United States in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 18. 5. Dow Chemical and DuPont also compete in the manufacture and sale of two types of high-pressure ethylene derivative products called acid copolymers and ionomers, which are used in the production of flexible food packaging and other industrial applications. The combination of Dow Chemical and DuPont would result in a merger to monopoly in the production of acid copolymers and ionomers in the United States. Accordingly, the proposed transaction likely would substantially lessen competition in the markets for acid copolymers and ionomers in the United States in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 18. II. DEFENDANTS AND THE TRANSACTION 6. Dow Chemical, founded in 1897, is headquartered in Midland, Michigan, operates in approximately 180 countries, and employs over 50,000 people worldwide. In 2016, Dow Chemical had revenues of approximately $48 billion. Dow Chemical's primary lines of business are chemical, plastic, and agricultural products and services. Dow Chemical's products are used in various industries, ranging from agriculture to consumer goods. 7. DuPont, founded in 1802, is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, operates in approximately 90 countries, and employs more than 60,000 people worldwide. In 2016, DuPont reported revenues of $24.5 billion. DuPont's primary products include crop protection chemicals and performance products, such as plastics and polymers. 8. Pursuant to a December 11, 2015 agreement, Dow Chemical and DuPont have agreed to an all-stock merger of equals. At the time of the merger announcement, the combined market capitalization of the companies was $130 billion. The merger plan contemplates spinning off the firms' combined assets into three separate, publicly-traded companies as soon as feasible. One of those companies would focus on agriculture products (with approximately $18 billion in revenue), another on material sciences [[Page 28888]] (approximately $51 billion in revenue), and a third on ``specialty'' products, such as organic light-emitting diodes and building wrap (approximately $13 billion in revenue). III. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 9. The United States brings this action under Section 15 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 25, to prevent and restrain defendants from violating Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 18. 10. The Plaintiff States bring this action under Section 16 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 26, to prevent and restrain the defendants from violating Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 18. The Plaintiff States, by and through their respective Attorneys General, bring this action as parens patriae on behalf of and to protect the health and welfare of their citizens and the general economy of each of their states. 11. Defendants Dow Chemical and DuPont sell crop protection chemicals, including herbicides and insecticides, and acid copolymers and ionomers throughout the United States. They are engaged in the regular, continuous, and substantial flow of interstate commerce, and their sales of crop protection chemicals and acid copolymers and ionomers have had a substantial effect on interstate commerce. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this action under Section 15 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 25, and 28 U.S.C. 1331, 1337(a), and 1345. 12. Defendants have consented to venue and personal jurisdiction in this judicial district. Venue is therefore proper in this district under Section 12 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 22, and 28 U.S.C. 1391(c). IV. CROP PROTECTION CHEMICALS A. Background 13. Crop protection chemicals are used to protect crops from damage or loss from other biological organisms such as weeds, insects, or disease (e.g., fungus). Crop protection chemicals are critical to protecting crop yield--the total amount of a crop produced at each harvest--which benefits farmers and American consumers. 14. Crop protection chemicals can be separated into three broad categories that have different qualities and attributes: herbicides (to combat weeds); insecticides (to combat insect pests); and fungicides (to combat microbial disease). 15. The key component of any particular crop protection chemical is the ``active ingredient,'' which is the chemical molecule that produces the desired effect against the targeted weed or insect pest. Crop protection chemicals are typically sold as ``formulated products'' that contain the active ingredient and also inactive ingredients such as solvents, fillers, and adjuvants used to stabilize the active ingredient and facilitate its effective use on the intended crops. 16. Both active ingredients and formulated products must be registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (``EPA'') and approved for use. In order to gain approval, products must meet stringent toxicity and efficacy standards. Approvals are granted on a crop-by-crop basis and contain strict dosage requirements. A farmer wishing to control a certain pest on his or her farm can use only the products and dose-rates that the EPA has approved for the particular crops to which the product will be applied. 17. The crop protection industry includes a handful of large integrated research and development firms (including Dow Chemical and DuPont) that develop, manufacture, and sell crop protection chemicals. While the large research and development firms sometimes sell directly to farmers, their primary customers are large distributors and farmer co-ops that resell products to farmers. 1. Broadleaf Herbicides for Winter Wheat 18. Both Dow Chemical and DuPont produce herbicides for winter wheat. Winter wheat is a type of grass that is planted in autumn and produces an edible grain. In the United States, winter wheat is grown primarily in the Great Plains states, including Kansas, Nebraska, and Texas. 19. Herbicides are chemicals used to combat weeds that harm crops. They can be selective (killing only certain types of plants) or non- selective. Non-selective herbicides kill all plant matter, including weeds and the crop. Because of this, non-selective herbicides are typically used after the crop is harvested, to clear the field of remaining weeds. Selective herbicides target only weeds, and are applied ``post-emergence,'' or during the growth of the crop. 20. There are three common types of selective herbicide products: broadleaf, grass, and cross-spectrum. Broadleaf herbicides primarily eliminate or suppress broadleaf weeds. Grass herbicides primarily eliminate or suppress grass weeds. Cross-spectrum herbicides are effective on both grass and broadleaf weeds. Each herbicide formulation has a different spectrum of weeds on which it is effective, so a farmer chooses an herbicide based on the particular kinds of weeds threatening the crop. 21. Herbicides are registered with the EPA for use on particular crops. Because crop choices and weed threats vary from farm to farm, the options available to farmers may vary from location to location, depending on the specific crop/weed combinations a farmer faces. 22. Dow Chemical and DuPont both offer herbicides that are labeled and registered for the control of broadleaf weeds in winter wheat crops. DuPont's Finesse product is the top broadleaf herbicide used to combat the weed spectrum that typically threatens winter wheat crops. Dow Chemical recently introduced a new broadleaf herbicide for winter wheat, called Quelex. 2. Insecticides for Chewing Pests 23. Dow Chemical and DuPont also sell insecticides for chewing pests. Insecticides are used to suppress or eliminate insect infestations in crops. There are three main classes of insect pests: (1) chewing insects (e.g., moth larvae and beetles); (2) sucking insects (e.g., aphids and stink bugs); and (3) thrips (i.e., thunder flies), which have attributes of both chewing and sucking pests. 24. Insecticide use is particularly important for specialty crop farmers of tree fruit, tree nuts, and other fruits and vegetables (``specialty crops''). Any damage to specialty crops, no matter how slight, can result in the fruit or nut being rejected for sale. Thus, specialty crop farmers are particularly averse to the risk of insect damage when choosing an insecticide. Specialty crop farmers also value selective chemistry insecticides because they are less harmful to beneficial insects (such as bees and parasitic wasps) that not only pollinate fruit, but also help to control damaging insects, such as mites. In contrast, broad spectrum chemistries, such as pyrethroids, kill most of the insects in a field, including beneficial ones. Farmers therefore either minimize their use and/or use them towards the end of a growing season. 25. DuPont produces the active ingredient chlorantraniliprole, which DuPont markets under the trade name, Rynaxypyr. Rynaxypyr is one of the best selling and most effective active ingredients used to combat chewing pests on the market. Rynaxypyr is patent-protected until 2022. In the United States, Rynaxypyr is marketed and sold in formulations under the brand names Altacor, Coragen, and Prevathon. DuPont's 2015 U.S. insecticides sales totaled $118 million; of that total, Rynaxypyr sales accounted for $73 million. [[Page 28889]] 26. Dow Chemical manufactures and sells two active ingredients which are also effective against chewing pests: (1) methoxyfenozide, sold under the brand name Intrepid, and (2) spinetoram, sold under the brand names Delegate and Radiant. In 2015, Dow Chemical had a total of $165 million in U.S. insecticides sales. Of that total, spinetoram sales accounted for $57 million and methoxyfenozide sales accounted for $34 million. B. Relevant Markets 1. Broadleaf Herbicides for Winter Wheat Sold in the United States 27. To combat broadleaf weeds in winter wheat, particularly in the central plains of the United States, farmers need broadleaf herbicides that are labeled and registered for use on winter wheat. Farmers of winter wheat cannot use grass herbicides to combat broadleaf weeds because they are ineffective. Farmers would not use cross-spectrum herbicides to combat broadleaf weeds, as cross-spectrum herbicides are significantly more expensive and, thus, it would not be cost-justified to use cross-spectrum herbicides for broadleaf weeds alone. Farmers would not forgo using broadleaf herbicides altogether, because doing so would risk significant wheat yield losses. 28. All herbicides sold in the United States must be registered and approved by the EPA. Similar products available in other countries cannot be offered to United States customers due to EPA regulations, so they are not competitive constraints. 29. A small but significant increase in the price of broadleaf herbicides sold in the United States labeled and registered for use on winter wheat would not cause customers of those herbicides to substitute to grass or cross-spectrum herbicides, nor would farmers forgo using herbicides altogether and risk weed damage to their crops. As a result, customers are unlikely to switch away from broadleaf herbicides sold in the United States in volumes sufficient to defeat such a price increase. Accordingly, the development, manufacture, and sale of broadleaf herbicides sold in the United States labeled and registered for use on winter wheat is a line of commerce and relevant market within the meaning of Section 7 of the Clayton Act. 2. Insecticides for Chewing Pests Sold in the United States 30. Insecticides for chewing pests are targeted to combat a particular type of pest, and insecticides for other types of pests cannot, in general, be used as substitutes. While there are broad- spectrum insecticides which are effective on more than one type of pest, those insecticides tend to kill indiscriminately, including beneficial insects. Specialty crop farmers in California, Washington and elsewhere need beneficial insects such as bees to pollinate their crops. These farmers would not, however, choose to forgo managing the insect pests which attack their crops, because even slight damage can result in an entire harvest being rejected for sale. 31. All insecticides sold in the United States must be registered and approved by the EPA. Similar products available in other countries cannot be offered to United States customers due to EPA regulations, so they are not competitive constraints. 32. A small but significant increase in the price of chewing pest insecticides sold in the United States would not cause customers of those insecticides to substitute to broad-spectrum insecticides, nor would farmers forgo using insecticides altogether and risk severe pest damage to their whole crop, in volumes sufficient to defeat such a price increase. Accordingly, the development, manufacture, and sale of chewing pest insecticides sold in the United States is a line of commerce and relevant market within the meaning of Section 7 of the Clayton Act. C. Anticompetitive Effects of the Proposed Acquisition 1. Broadleaf Herbicides for Winter Wheat 33. Dow Chemical and DuPont are two of the four largest suppliers of broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat crops in the United States. Together they account for over forty percent of the total market, with combined annual sales of $81 million in 2015. Dow Chemical and DuPont compete head-to-head for the development, manufacture, and sale of broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat. That competition, which would be lost if the merger is consummated, has benefited farmers through lower prices, more effective solutions, and superior service. 34. Competition between Dow Chemical and DuPont has also spurred research, development, and marketing of new and improved broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat. For example, Dow Chemical intends to market its Quelex herbicide, which was recently introduced into the market, to farmers of winter wheat that currently use DuPont's market- leading Finesse product. DuPont considered adopting competitive responses, including price reductions, to protect its market share from Dow Chemical's Quelex herbicide. 35. The proposed merger, therefore, likely would substantially lessen competition for the development, manufacture, and sale of broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat, in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act. This likely would lead to higher prices, less favorable contractual terms, and a reduced incentive to spend significant resources in developing new products. 2. Insecticides for Chewing Pests 36. Dow Chemical and DuPont are the two largest suppliers of insecticides used on chewing pests in the United States. Together they account for $238 million in annual sales. The merger of Dow Chemical and DuPont likely would substantially lessen competition in the market for the development, manufacture, and sale of chewing pest insecticides. 37. If the merger between Dow Chemical and DuPont is consummated, the combined company will control nearly seventy-five percent of the market for chewing pest insecticides in the United States. Additionally, Dow Chemical and DuPont's closest competitor sells competing products that are mixed with DuPont's Rynaxypyr, for which the competitor has a license. As a result, specialty crop farmers would have little alternative but to accept increased prices post merger. 38. Competition between Dow Chemical and DuPont has benefited customers of chewing pest insecticides through lower prices, more effective solutions, and superior service. Customers also have benefited from the competition between Dow Chemical and DuPont by obtaining more favorable contract terms, such as financing and priority in product shipments to coincide with crop growing seasons. A combined Dow Chemical and DuPont would have the incentive and ability to eliminate or restrict financial and other incentives to customers, extinguishing this competition and those tangible and valuable benefits to customers. 39. The proposed merger, therefore, likely would substantially lessen competition for the development, manufacture, and sale of chewing pest insecticides, in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act. This likely would lead to higher prices, less favorable contractual terms, and less innovation. D. Difficulty of Entry 40. The discovery, development, testing, registration, and commercial launch of a new herbicide or insecticide can take ten to fifteen years and can cost well over $150 million dollars. Given [[Page 28890]] the lengthy development cycle, the high hurdles and substantial cost of regulatory approval, entry of additional competitors in the market for either broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat or chewing pest insecticides is not likely to be timely or sufficient to defeat a post- merger price increase. V. ACID COPOLYMERS AND IONOMERS 41. High-pressure ethylene derivatives (``HiPEDs'') are plastic resins produced by ``cracking,'' or breaking down, petrochemicals into their constituent parts and combining them with various molecules to produce polymer resins. The resulting resins, such as low density polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, acrylate copolymers, grafted polyolefins, acid copolymers, and ionomers, have different performance characteristics, such as hardness, corrosion resistance or scratch resistance, depending on the materials used in their construction. 42. HiPED resins are mixed with other plastic resins to manufacture numerous plastic products, such as films, bottles, coatings, and packaging. Customers source particular HiPED resins that meet their specific needs and requirements and build their manufacturing process around specific resin combinations that give the final product the desired performance characteristics. 43. Unlike most HiPED resins, where there is substitution possible for both the supply and demand of the products, neither customers nor manufacturers can easily switch between acid copolymers and ionomers (two specific types of HiPED resins) and other HiPED resins. A. Acid Copolymers 44. Acid copolymers are a specific type of HiPED resin manufactured using highly acidic input products. In order to handle inputs with high acid content, HiPED resin manufacturers must install specific corrosion-resistant equipment that is not used for the manufacture of other HiPED resins. Such equipment can cost millions of dollars. 45. Acidic inputs make acid copolymers both highly adhesive and very durable. As a result, acid copolymers are used to create strong seals between substrates, or ``tie layers,'' of flexible packaging. Their increased adhesive ability is particularly necessary in applications where packaging will be exposed to challenging environments, such as high levels of grease, oil, acid, or dust. 46. Because of these characteristics, packaging films made using acid copolymers are ideal for use in the food and beverage industry. Indeed, this industry consumes the vast majority of acid copolymers produced, for use in products such as juice boxes, toothpaste tubes, and meat and cheese wrap, among others. Unlike other plastic films, food and beverage packaging must adhere to strict food safety guidelines, and significant deviations from approved formulas must undergo a rigorous requalification process that can take significant time and expense. 47. Both Dow Chemical and DuPont manufacture acid copolymers in the United States. Dow Chemical manufactures acid copolymers in a dedicated corrosion-resistant facility that is part of its larger chemical complex in Freeport, Texas. DuPont manufactures acid copolymers and other HiPED resins on corrosion-resistant manufacturing lines within facilities located in Sabine, Texas and Victoria, Texas. B. Ionomers 48. Ionomers are another specific type of HiPED resin. They are directly derived from acid copolymers and are produced by neutralizing acid copolymers with sodium, zinc, magnesium, or other salts. As a result of this process, ionomers are hard and durable. When added to a plastic coating, ionomers make the resulting product more impact- and cut-resistant. 49. Ionomers are used in a multitude of applications, such as decking and automotive parts. Ionomers are preferred for these end uses because their superior toughness and impact resistance protect the underlying product from the repeated blows it is subjected to. 50. Both Dow Chemical and DuPont produce ionomers in the United States. DuPont manufactures ionomers in-line with its acid copolymer production in Sabine, Texas. Dow Chemical manufactures acid copolymers in its Freeport, Texas facility and then ships them to Odessa, Texas, where a third party converts them to ionomers. C. Relevant Markets 1. Acid Copolymers 51. Food and beverage packaging manufacturers purchase the majority of acid copolymers produced in the United States. These customers rely upon the superior sealant and adhesive characteristics acid copolymers provide as compared to other HiPED resins. Additionally, because food and beverage packaging must adhere to strict food safety guidelines, significant deviations from approved formulas must undergo a rigorous qualification process that can take significant time and incur additional costs. Most customers therefore would not switch to another product if faced with a significant and non-transitory increase in the price of acid copolymers. 52. Customers have consistently reported that purchasing acid copolymers abroad is not a realistic option for domestic purchasers, due to taxes, tariffs, logistical costs, and the longer lead times associated with importing acid copolymers. Most customers report that it would take considerably more than a small, significant, and non- transitory increase in price to make European suppliers a viable alternative to Dow Chemical and DuPont. 53. A small but significant increase in price for acid copolymers sold in the United States would not cause customers to turn to another product in sufficient numbers to defeat such a price increase. Thus, the development, manufacture, and sale of acid copolymers in the United States constitutes a relevant product market and line of commerce under Section 7 of the Clayton Act. 2. Ionomers 54. Customers purchase ionomers for the superior impact- and cut- resistance characteristics that are not available in other HiPED resins. These customers rely on the hardness and resilience that an ionomer-based coating provides as compared to other coatings. Customers cannot switch to other, less resilient, coatings and cannot forgo the use of protective coatings altogether, as either choice would significantly decrease the useful lifespan of the underlying products. Most customers therefore would not switch to another product if faced with a small but significant and non-transitory increase in the price of ionomers. 55. U.S. customers cannot turn to ionomer suppliers abroad due to taxes, tariffs, logistical costs, and longer lead times associated with importing ionomers. Most customers report that it would take considerably more than a small, significant, and non-transitory increase in price to make European suppliers a viable alternative to Dow Chemical and DuPont. 56. A small but significant increase in price for ionomers sold in the United States would not cause customers to turn to another product in sufficient numbers to defeat such a price increase. Thus, the development, manufacture, and sale of ionomers in the United States constitutes a relevant product market and line of commerce under Section 7 of the Clayton Act. [[Page 28891]] D. Anticompetitive Effects of the Proposed Transaction 1. Acid Copolymers 57. Dow Chemical and DuPont are the only two manufacturers of acid copolymers in the United States. Dow Chemical controls over 80 percent of the U.S. market and DuPont is responsible for 19 percent of sales (less than one tenth of one percent of acid copolymers are imported). The merger of the only U.S. manufacturers of these products would leave customers with little alternative but to accept increased prices post merger. 58. As a result of head-to-head competition between Dow Chemical and DuPont, customers have obtained better pricing, service, and contract terms. In some cases, customers report that Dow Chemical and DuPont have competed to assist customers with the development of new uses for existing acid copolymer products, allowing customers to expand sales and better serve their own consumers. Customers also have benefited from the development of new acid copolymer products, which has been spurred on by competition between Dow Chemical and DuPont. 59. The proposed merger would likely substantially lessen competition for the development, manufacture, and sale of acid copolymers in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act. The U.S. market for acid copolymers is highly concentrated and would become significantly more concentrated as a result of the proposed merger to monopoly: Dow Chemical and DuPont will control over 99 percent of the acid copolymers market in the United States post merger, leading to higher prices and reduced innovation. 2. Ionomers 60. Dow Chemical and DuPont are the only two manufacturers of ionomers in the United States, where the two companies collectively are responsible for all sales. Dow Chemical and DuPont are each other's only competitor for ionomers and customers would have no alternative but to accept increased prices post merger. 61. Customers have benefited from the competition between Dow Chemical and DuPont. Dow Chemical is the only company contesting DuPont's near-monopoly in ionomers. Its presence has resulted in better pricing and contract terms for customers, who otherwise would have no choice but to purchase from DuPont. Customers also have benefited from competition between Dow Chemical and DuPont to develop new products from ionomers and new uses for existing ionomer products. 62. The proposed merger would likely substantially lessen competition for the development, manufacture, and sale of ionomers in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act. The market for ionomers is highly concentrated and the proposed merger would result in a monopoly, leading to higher prices and reduced innovation. E. Difficulty of Entry 1. Acid Copolymers 63. In addition to the specialized equipment required to produce ethylene derivatives generally, acid copolymer manufacturing requires a high-pressure autoclave and all equipment surfaces must be coated with a corrosion-resistant material. Only Dow Chemical and DuPont have both high-pressure autoclaves and corrosion-resistant equipment. The cost associated with upgrading an existing ethylene derivative manufacturing operation to produce acid copolymers is estimated to be in the millions of dollars. If the merged firm were to raise prices, timely and sufficient entry is unlikely to deter or counteract competitive harm. 2. Ionomers 64. The manufacturing of ionomers requires specialized know-how as well as ready and reliable access to acid copolymers, a key input into ionomer manufacturing. Post merger, Dow Chemical and DuPont will effectively control the entire U.S. market for acid copolymers. As such, even if a third party has the technical capability to manufacture ionomers, it would be limited by the amount of acid copolymers it could obtain on the open market--a market primarily controlled by the merged entity. Because of the specialized know-how and the likely foreclosure of access to a key ingredient, if the merged firm were to raise prices, timely and sufficient entry would be unlikely to deter or counteract competitive harm. VI. VIOLATIONS ALLEGED 65. If allowed to proceed, Dow Chemical and DuPont's proposed merger would likely reduce or eliminate competition in the markets for broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat and chewing pest insecticides, and tend to create a monopoly in the markets for acid copolymers and ionomers, in the United States in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 18. 66. Among other things, the transaction would: (a) eliminate significant present and future head-to-head competition between Dow Chemical and DuPont in the markets for broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat, chewing pest insecticides, acid copolymers, and ionomers; (b) likely raise prices for broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat, chewing pest insecticides, acid copolymers, and ionomers; (c) likely eliminate innovation rivalry by two of the leading developers of new crop protection chemicals; (d) consolidate the supply of acid copolymers and ionomers under the control of a single firm; and (e) likely cause the number and quality of advances in acid copolymers and ionomers to decrease. VII. REQUESTED RELIEF 67. Plaintiffs request that the Court: (a) adjudge and decree that the proposed merger between Dow Chemical and DuPont is unlawful and in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 18; (b) preliminarily and permanently enjoin and restrain defendants and all persons acting on their behalf from entering into any agreement, understanding, or plan whereby Dow Chemical and DuPont would merge or combine; (c) award Plaintiffs the costs of this action; and (d) grant Plaintiffs such other and further relief as the Court may deem just and proper. Dated: June 15, 2017 Respectfully submitted, For Plaintiff United States of America: /s/-------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew C. Finch (DC Bar #494992) Acting Assistant Attorney General /s/-------------------------------------------------------------------- Patricia A. Brink Director of Civil Enforcement /s/-------------------------------------------------------------------- Maribeth Petrizzi (DC Bar #435204) Chief, Litigation II Section /s/-------------------------------------------------------------------- Stephanie A. Fleming Assistant Chief, Litigation II Section /s/-------------------------------------------------------------------- Lowell R. Stern (DC Bar #440487) Don P. Amlin (DC Bar # 978349) Jeremy W. Cline Tracy L. Fisher Michael K. Hammaker Steve A. Harris Jay D. Owen Blake W. Rushforth Tara M. Shinnick (DC Bar #501462) James L. Tucker United States Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, Litigation II Section, 450 Fifth Street NW., Suite 8700, Washington, DC 20530, (202) 514-3676, (202) 514-9033 (Facsimile), [email protected] For Plaintiff State of Iowa Thomas J. Miller Attorney General [[Page 28892]] /s/-------------------------------------------------------------------- Layne M. Lindebak Assistant Attorney General, Iowa Department of Justice, Hoover Office Building--Second Floor, 1305 East Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50319, Phone: 515-281-7054, Fax: 515-281-4902, [email protected] For Plaintiff State of Mississippi Jim Hood Attorney General /s/-------------------------------------------------------------------- Crystal Utley Secoy Special Assistant Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division, Mississippi Attorney General's Office, Post Office Box 22947, Jackson, Mississippi 39225, Phone: 601-359-4213, Fax: 601-359-4231, [email protected] For Plaintiff State of Montana Timothy C. Fox Attorney General /s/-------------------------------------------------------------------- Chuck Munson Assistant Attorney General, Montana Department of Justice, Office of Consumer Protection, 555 Fuller Avenue, Helena, Montana, Phone: 406- 444-9637, Fax: 406-442-1874, [email protected] CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Lowell Stern, hereby certify that on June 15, 2017, I caused a copy of the foregoing Complaint, Asset Preservation Stipulation and Order, proposed Final Judgment, Competitive Impact Statement, and Explanation of Consent Decree Procedures, to be served upon defendants The Dow Chemical Company and E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company by mailing the documents electronically to their duly authorized legal representatives, as follows: Counsel for The Dow Chemical Company: George Cary, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20006, [email protected] Counsel for E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company: Clifford Aronson, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP, 4 Times Square, New York, NY 10036, [email protected] /s/-------------------------------------------------------------------- Lowell R. Stern (DC Bar #440487) United States Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, Litigation II Section, 450 Fifth Street NW., Suite 8700, Washington, DC 20530, Phone: 202-514-3676, Fax: 202-514-9033, [email protected] UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA United States of America, State of Iowa, State of Mississippi, and State of Montana, Plaintiffs, v. The Dow Chemical Company and E.I DuPont De Nemours and Company Defendents. Case No.: 1:17-cv-01176 Judge: Amit Mehta PROPOSED FINAL JUDGMENT WHEREAS, plaintiffs United States of America and the States of Iowa, Mississippi, and Montana (collectively, ``Plaintiff States''), filed their Complaint on June 15, 2017, plaintiffs and defendants, The Dow Chemical Company and E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, by their respective attorneys, have consented to the entry of this Final Judgment without trial or adjudication of any issue of fact or law, and without this Final Judgment constituting any evidence against or admission by any party regarding any issue of fact or law; AND WHEREAS, defendants agree to be bound by the provisions of this Final Judgment pending its approval by the Court; AND WHEREAS, the essence of this Final Judgment is the prompt and certain divestiture of certain rights and assets by defendants to assure that competition is not substantially lessened; AND WHEREAS, plaintiffs require defendants to make certain divestitures for the purpose of remedying the loss of competition alleged in the Complaint; AND WHEREAS, defendants have represented to plaintiffs that the divestitures required below can and will be made and that defendants will later raise no claim of hardship or difficulty as grounds for asking the Court to modify any of the divestiture provisions contained below; NOW THEREFORE, before any testimony is taken, without trial or adjudication of any issue of fact or law, and upon consent of the parties, it is ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED: I. JURISDICTION This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of and each of the parties to this action. The Complaint states a claim upon which relief may be granted against defendants under Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 18. II. DEFINITIONS As used in this Final Judgment: A. ``Acquirer'' or ``Acquirers'' means the entity or entities to which defendants divest the Divestiture Assets. B. ``Acquirer of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets'' means the entity to which defendants divest the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets. C. ``Acquirer of the Material Science Divestiture Assets'' means the entity to which defendants divest the Material Science Divestiture Assets. D. ``DuPont'' means defendant E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, a Delaware corporation with its headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, its successors and assigns, and its subsidiaries, divisions, groups, affiliates, partnerships and joint ventures, and their directors, officers, managers, agents, and employees. E. ``Dow Chemical'' means defendant The Dow Chemical Company, a Delaware corporation with its headquarters in Midland, Michigan, its successors and assigns, and its subsidiaries, divisions, groups, affiliates, partnerships and joint ventures, and their directors, officers, managers, agents, and employees. F. ``Calgary Facility'' means DuPont's interest in the facility located at 4444 72nd Avenue SE., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2C 2C1. G. ``Freeport Facility'' means Dow Chemical's dedicated acid copolymer production facility located within the B-7700 Block and B- 7800 Block of Dow Chemical's integrated chemical site at 2301 Brazosport Blvd., APB Building, Freeport, Texas 77541, including a ground lease to the real property underlying the Freeport Facility, but not including ownership of any underlying real property. H. ``Manati Manufacturing Unit'' means the manufacturing unit within DuPont's industrial complex at Km \2/3\ Rr 686, Tierras Nuevas Salientes Ward, Manati, Puerto Rico 00674. I. ``Mobile Facility'' means DuPont's facility located at 12650 Highway 43 N, Axis, Alabama 36505. J. ``DuPont's Finesse-formulated products'' means all products (including Finesse) packaged at the Calgary Facility and containing the active ingredients Metsulfuron Methyl and Chlorsulfuron Methyl produced at the Manati Manufacturing Unit. K. ``DuPont's Rynaxypyr-formulated products'' means all products manufactured at the Mobile Facility that contain the active ingredient Chlorantraniliprole (including Altacor, Coragen, and Prevathon), except seed treatment applications. L. The ``Finesse Business'' means: 1. the Manati Manufacturing Unit; 2. the lease to the Calgary Facility; 3. all tangible assets primarily relating to DuPont's Finesse- formulated products, including, but not limited to, manufacturing equipment, tooling and fixed assets, personal property, inventory, office furniture, materials, supplies, and other tangible property and all assets at the Manati Manufacturing Unit and at the Calgary Facility used in connection with DuPont's Finesse-formulated products; [[Page 28893]] all licenses, permits and authorizations issued by any governmental organization primarily relating to DuPont's Finesse-formulated products (to the extent such licenses, permits, and authorizations are capable of assignment or transfer); all contracts (or portions thereof), teaming arrangements, agreements (or portions thereof), leases, commitments, certifications, and understandings, primarily relating to DuPont's Finesse-formulated products, including supply agreements; all customer lists, contracts, accounts, and credit records primarily relating to DuPont's Finesse-formulated products; all repair and performance records and all other records primarily relating to DuPont's Finesse-formulated products; except that defendants may retain copies of or access to any tangible assets primarily relating to DuPont's Finesse-formulated products that are necessary in order to perform any services pursuant to their agreements with the Acquirer of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets, provided, however, that defendants may not otherwise use any such tangible assets in connection with the development, manufacture, and/or sale of broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat; and 4. all intangible assets owned, licensed, controlled, or used by DuPont, wherever located, primarily relating to DuPont's Finesse- formulated products, including, but not limited to, all patents, licenses and sublicenses, intellectual property, copyrights, trademarks (including Finesse), trade names, service marks, service names, technical information, computer software and related documentation, know-how, trade secrets, drawings, blueprints, designs, design protocols, specifications for materials, specifications for parts and devices, safety procedures for the handling of materials and substances, quality assurance and control procedures, design tools and simulation capability, all manuals and technical information DuPont provides to its own employees, customers, suppliers, agents or licensees, and all research data concerning historic and current research and development efforts primarily relating to DuPont's Finesse-formulated products, including, but not limited to, designs of experiments, and the results of successful and unsuccessful designs and experiments; except that defendants may retain copies of or access to any intangible assets primarily relating to DuPont's Finesse-formulated products that are necessary in order to perform any services pursuant to their agreements with the Acquirer of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets, provided, however, that defendants may not otherwise use any such intangible assets in connection with the development, manufacture, and/or sale of broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat. M. The ``Rynaxypyr Business'' means: 1. the Mobile Facility; 2. all tangible assets primarily relating to DuPont's Rynaxypyr- formulated products, including, but not limited to, manufacturing equipment, tooling and fixed assets, personal property, inventory, office furniture, materials, supplies, and other tangible property and all assets at the Mobile Facility used in connection with DuPont's Rynaxypyr-formulated products; all licenses, permits, and authorizations issued by any governmental organization primarily relating to DuPont's Rynaxypyr-formulated products (to the extent such licenses, permits, and authorizations are capable of assignment or transfer); all contracts (or portions thereof), teaming arrangements, agreements (or portions thereof), leases, commitments, certifications, and understandings, primarily relating to DuPont's Rynaxypyr-formulated products, including supply agreements; all customer lists, contracts, accounts, and credit records primarily relating to DuPont's Rynaxypyr- formulated products; all repair and performance records and all other records primarily relating to DuPont's Rynaxypyr-formulated products; except that defendants (i) may retain copies of or access to any tangible assets used by DuPont primarily relating to the Rynaxypyr- formulated products that are necessary in order to perform any services pursuant to their agreements with the Acquirer of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets and (ii) may retain seed treatment assets, provided, however, that defendants may not otherwise use any such tangible assets in connection with the development, manufacture, and/or sale of insecticides for chewing pests; and 3. all intangible assets owned, licensed, controlled, or used by DuPont, wherever located, primarily relating to DuPont's Rynaxypyr- formulated products, including, but not limited to, all patents, licenses and sublicenses, intellectual property, copyrights, trademarks (including Altacor, Coragen, and Prevathon), trade names, service marks, service names, technical information, computer software and related documentation, know-how, trade secrets, drawings, blueprints, designs, design protocols, specifications for materials, specifications for parts and devices, safety procedures for the handling of materials and substances, quality assurance and control procedures, design tools and simulation capability, all manuals and technical information DuPont provides to its own employees, customers, suppliers, agents or licensees; and all research data concerning historic and current research and development efforts primarily relating to DuPont's Rynaxypyr-formulated products, including, but not limited to, designs of experiments, and the results of successful and unsuccessful designs and experiments; except that defendants (i) may retain copies of or access to any intangible assets used by DuPont relating to DuPont's Rynaxypyr-formulated products that are necessary in order to perform any services pursuant to their agreements with the Acquirer of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets and (ii) may retain seed treatment assets, provided, however, that defendants may not otherwise use any such intangible assets in connection with the development, manufacture, and/or sale of insecticides for chewing pests. N. ``Crop Protection Divestiture Assets'' means: 1. the Finesse Business; and 2. the Rynaxypyr Business. O. ``Material Science Divestiture Assets'' means: 1. the Freeport Facility; 2. all tangible assets located at the Freeport Facility and primarily used by Dow Chemical's acid copolymer and ionomers business in the United States, including, but not limited to, research and development assets, manufacturing equipment, tooling and fixed assets, personal property, inventory, office furniture, materials, supplies, and other tangible property, except that the Material Science Divestiture Assets do not include (i) information technology, equipment, and tools (e.g., servers, network equipment, and enterprise workstations) connected to Dow Chemical's network or (ii) tangible assets that will be used by defendants to perform any services pursuant to their agreements with the Acquirer of the Material Science Divestiture Assets, provided, however, that defendants may not use any such tangible assets to develop, manufacture, and/or sell acid copolymers and ionomers; all licenses, permits, and authorizations issued by any governmental organization primarily for the benefit of the acid copolymer and ionomers business in the United States (to the extent such licenses, permits, and authorizations are capable of assignment or transfer); all contracts, teaming arrangements, agreements, including supply agreements, leases, commitments, certifications, and understandings [[Page 28894]] primarily relating to Dow Chemical's acid copolymer and ionomers business in the United States (collectively ``Contracts''), in each case to the extent relating to the acid copolymer and ionomers business, provided that to the extent transfer of any Contract requires the consent of another party, Dow Chemical shall satisfy its obligation by using reasonable best efforts to obtain such consent; all customer lists, accounts, and credit records, in each case to the extent relating to the acid copolymer and ionomers business; all records primarily relating to the acid copolymer and ionomers business in the United States, including repair and performance records, drawings, blueprints, designs, design protocols, specifications for materials, specifications for parts and devices, safety procedures for the handling of materials and substances, quality assurance and control procedures, design tools and simulation capability, manuals and technical information Dow Chemical provides to its own employees, customers, suppliers, agents or licensees of such acid copolymer and ionomers business, and research data concerning historic and current research and development efforts, including but not limited to, designs of experiments, and the results of successful and unsuccessful designs and experiments, in each case to the extent relating to the acid copolymer and ionomers business, except that defendants may retain copies of or access to (i) any such records used by defendants' retained businesses other than Dow Chemical's acid copolymer and ionomers business and (ii) any such records used in connection with an OSA or to perform any services pursuant to their agreements with the Acquirer of the Material Science Divestiture Assets, provided, however, that defendants may not use any such records to develop, manufacture, and/or sell acid copolymers and ionomers; and 3. all intangible assets primarily used by Dow Chemical in connection with the development, manufacture, and/or sale of acid copolymers and ionomers in the United States, including, but not limited to, patents, licenses and sublicenses, intellectual property, copyrights, trademarks (including Primacor), trade names, service marks, service names, technical information, know-how, and trade secrets, except that, to the extent any intangible assets primarily used by Dow Chemical's acid copolymer and ionomers business in the United States are also used by other Dow Chemical businesses or are necessary to perform any services pursuant to defendants' agreements with the Acquirer of the Material Science Divestiture Assets, defendants will receive a license to use such intangible assets from the Acquirer of the Material Science Divestiture Assets, provided, however, that defendants may not use any such intangible assets to develop, manufacture, and/or sell acid copolymers and ionomers. P. ``Divestiture Assets'' means the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets and the Material Science Divestiture Assets. III. APPLICABILITY A. This Final Judgment applies to DuPont and Dow Chemical, as defined above, and all other persons in active concert or participation with any of them who receive actual notice of this Final Judgment by personal service or otherwise. B. If, prior to complying with Sections IV, V, and VI of this Final Judgment, defendants sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of their assets or lesser business units that include the Divestiture Assets, they shall require the purchaser or purchasers to be bound by the provisions of this Final Judgment. Defendants need not obtain such an agreement from the Acquirers of the assets divested pursuant to this Final Judgment. IV. CROP PROTECTION DIVESTITURE A. Defendants are ordered and directed, within thirty (30) calendar days after the consummation of the merger of Dow Chemical and DuPont, or sixty (60) calendar days after notice of the entry of this Final Judgment by the Court, whichever is later, to divest the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets in a manner consistent with this Final Judgment to an Acquirer acceptable to the United States, in its sole discretion, after consultation with the Plaintiff States. The United States, in its sole discretion, may agree to one or more extensions of this time period not to exceed sixty (60) calendar days in total, and shall notify the Court in such circumstances. Defendants agree to use their best efforts to divest the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets as expeditiously as possible. B. In accomplishing the divestiture ordered by Section IV of this Final Judgment, to the extent they have not done so prior to the filing of the Complaint, defendants promptly shall make known, by usual and customary means, the availability of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets. Defendants shall inform any person making an inquiry regarding a possible purchase of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets that they are being divested pursuant to this Final Judgment and provide that person with a copy of this Final Judgment. Defendants shall offer to furnish to all prospective Acquirers of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets, subject to customary confidentiality assurances, all information and documents relating to the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets customarily provided in a due diligence process except such information or documents subject to the attorney-client privilege or work-product doctrine. Defendants shall make available such information to plaintiffs at the same time that such information is made available to any other person. C. To the extent they have not done so prior to the filing of the Complaint, defendants shall provide to the prospective Acquirer of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets and the United States information relating to the personnel involved in the development, manufacture, and/or sale of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets to enable the Acquirer to make offers of employment. Defendants will not interfere with any negotiations by the Acquirer of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets to employ any defendant employee whose primary responsibility is the development, manufacture, and/or sale of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets. D. Defendants shall permit the Acquirer of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets to have reasonable access to personnel and to make inspections of the Manati Manufacturing Unit, the Calgary Facility, and the Mobile Facility; access to any and all environmental, zoning, and other permit documents and information; and access to any and all financial, operational, or other documents and information customarily provided as part of a due diligence process. E. Defendants shall warrant to the Acquirer of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets that each asset will be operational in all material respects on the date of sale. F. Defendants shall not take any action that will impede in any material way the permitting, operation, or divestiture of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets. G. At the option of the Acquirer of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets, defendants shall enter into a contract for formulation services for the Finesse-formulated products at DuPont's El Paso, Illinois facility and the Rynaxypyr-formulated products at DuPont's Valdosta, Georgia facility. The formulation services agreement shall be in effect for one year after all necessary [[Page 28895]] regulatory approvals for a new formulation site have been granted by jurisdictions where the Finesse-formulated products and the Rynaxypyr- formulated products are currently registered (or such lesser period of time as mutually expected by the defendants and the Acquirer of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets). At the request of the Acquirer, the United States in its sole discretion may approve an extension of the term of the formulation services agreement not to exceed two (2) years, provided that the Acquirer of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets notifies the United States in writing at least four (4) months prior to the date the agreement expires. The United States shall respond to any such request for extension in writing at least three (3) months prior to the date the formulation services agreement expires. The terms and conditions of any contractual arrangement meant to satisfy this provision must be reasonably related to market conditions for formulation services. H. Defendants shall warrant to the Acquirer of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets that there are no material defects in the environmental, zoning or other permits pertaining to the operation of each asset, and that following the sale of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets, defendants will not undertake, directly or indirectly, any challenges to the environmental, zoning, or other permits relating to the operation of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets. I. Unless the United States otherwise consents in writing, the divestiture pursuant to Section IV, or by Divestiture Trustee appointed pursuant to Section VI, of this Final Judgment, shall include the entire Crop Protection Divestiture Assets, and shall be accomplished in such a way as to satisfy the United States, in its sole discretion, after consultation with the Plaintiff States, that the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets can and will be used by the Acquirer as part of a viable, ongoing business in the development, manufacture, and sale in the United States of (1) broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat and (2) insecticides for chewing pests. The divestiture, whether pursuant to Section IV or Section VI of this Final Judgment, (1) shall be made to an Acquirer that, in the United States' sole judgment, after consultation with the Plaintiff States, has the intent and capability (including the necessary managerial, operational, technical and financial capability) of competing effectively in the businesses of developing, manufacturing, and selling (a) broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat and (b) insecticides for chewing pests; and (2) shall be accomplished so as to satisfy the United States, in its sole discretion, after consultation with the Plaintiff States, that none of the terms of any agreement between the Acquirer and defendants give defendants the ability unreasonably to raise the Acquirer's costs, to lower the Acquirer's efficiency, or otherwise to interfere in the ability of the Acquirer to compete effectively. V. MATERIAL SCIENCE DIVESTITURE A. Defendants are ordered and directed, within thirty (30) calendar days after the consummation of the merger of Dow Chemical and DuPont, or sixty (60) calendar days after notice of the entry of this Final Judgment by the Court, whichever is later, to divest the Material Science Divestiture Assets in a manner consistent with this Final Judgment to an Acquirer acceptable to the United States, in its sole discretion. The United States, in its sole discretion, may agree to one or more extensions of this time period not to exceed sixty (60) calendar days in total, and shall notify the Court in such circumstances. Defendants agree to use their best efforts to divest the Material Science Divestiture Assets as expeditiously as possible. B. In accomplishing the divestiture ordered by Section V of this Final Judgment, to the extent they have not done so prior to the filing of the Complaint, defendants promptly shall make known, by usual and customary means, the availability of the Material Science Divestiture Assets. Defendants shall inform any person making an inquiry regarding a possible purchase of the Material Science Divestiture Assets that they are being divested pursuant to this Final Judgment and provide that person with a copy of this Final Judgment. Defendants shall offer to furnish to all prospective Acquirers of the Material Science Divestiture Assets, subject to customary confidentiality assurances, all information and documents relating to the Material Science Divestiture Assets customarily provided in a due diligence process except such information or documents subject to the attorney-client privilege or work-product doctrine. Defendants shall make available such information to plaintiffs at the same time that such information is made available to any other person. C. To the extent they have not done so prior to the filing of the Complaint, defendants shall provide the Acquirer of the Material Science Divestiture Assets and the United States information relating to personnel whose primary responsibility is the development, manufacture, and/or sale of the Material Science Divestiture Assets, excluding Dow Chemical employees who will provide services under the OSA, to enable the Acquirer to make offers of employment. Defendants will not interfere with any negotiations by the Acquirer of the Material Science Divestiture Assets to employ any defendant employee whose primary responsibility is the development, manufacture, and/or sale of the Material Science Divestiture Assets, excluding Dow Chemical employees who will provide services under the OSA. D. Defendants shall permit the Acquirer of the Material Science Divestiture Assets to have reasonable access to personnel and to make inspections of the Freeport Facility; access to any and all environmental, zoning, and other permit documents and information related to the Freeport Facility; and access to any and all financial, operational, or other documents and information related to the Freeport Facility; in each case as customarily provided as part of a due diligence process. E. Defendants shall warrant to the Acquirer of the Material Science Divestiture Assets that such assets will be in substantially the same operating condition on the date of sale as they were on February 1, 2017. F. Defendants shall not take any action that will impede in any way the permitting, operation, or divestiture of the Material Science Divestiture Assets. G. At the option of the Acquirer of the Material Science Divestiture Assets, defendants shall enter into an operating services agreement (``OSA'') with the Acquirer sufficient to meet the Acquirer's needs for assistance in matters relating to the operation of the Material Science Divestiture Assets. If the Acquirer elects to self- operate the Material Science Divestiture Assets, defendants may require the written execution of an agreement by the Acquirer to indemnify defendants for breaches of any environmental permits that result from the operation of the Material Science Divestiture Assets by an operator other than defendants. H. Defendants shall warrant to the Acquirer of the Material Science Divestiture Assets that there are no material defects in the environmental, zoning or other permits pertaining to the operation of each asset, and that following the sale of the Material Science Divestiture Assets, defendants will not undertake, directly or indirectly, any challenges to the environmental, zoning, or other permits [[Page 28896]] relating to the operation of the Material Science Divestiture Assets. I. Unless the United States otherwise consents in writing, the divestiture pursuant to Section V, or by Divestiture Trustee(s) appointed pursuant to Section VI, of this Final Judgment, shall include the entire Material Science Divestiture Assets, and shall be accomplished in such a way as to satisfy the United States, in its sole discretion, that the Material Science Divestiture Assets can and will be used by the Acquirer of the Material Science Divestiture Assets as part of a viable, ongoing business in the development, manufacture, and sale of acid copolymers and ionomers in the United States. The divestiture, whether pursuant to Section V or Section VI of this Final Judgment, (1) shall be made to an Acquirer that, in the United States' sole judgment, has the intent and capability (including the necessary managerial, operational, technical and financial capability) of competing effectively in the business of developing, manufacturing, and selling acid copolymers and ionomers; and (2) shall be accomplished so as to satisfy the United States, in its sole discretion, that none of the terms of any agreement between the Acquirer and defendants give defendants the ability unreasonably to raise the Acquirer's costs, to lower the Acquirer's efficiency, or otherwise to interfere in the ability of the Acquirer to compete effectively. VI. APPOINTMENT OF DIVESTITURE TRUSTEE(S) A. If defendants have not divested the Crop Protection or Material Science Divestiture Assets within the time periods specified in Paragraphs IV(A) and V(A), defendants shall notify plaintiffs of that fact in writing. Upon application of the United States, the Court shall appoint a Divestiture Trustee or Trustees selected by the United States and approved by the Court to effect the divestiture of the remaining Divestiture Asset(s). B. After the appointment of Divestiture Trustee(s) becomes effective, only the Divestiture Trustee(s) shall have the right to sell the relevant Divestiture Assets. The Divestiture Trustee(s) shall have the power and authority to accomplish the divestitures to Acquirer(s) acceptable to the United States, after consultation with the Plaintiff States, at such price and on such terms as are then obtainable upon reasonable effort by the Divestiture Trustee(s), subject to the provisions of Sections IV, V, VI, and VII of this Final Judgment, and shall have such other powers as this Court deems appropriate. Subject to Paragraph VI(D) of this Final Judgment, the Divestiture Trustee(s) may hire at the cost and expense of defendants any investment bankers, attorneys, or other agents, who shall be solely accountable to the Divestiture Trustee(s), and are reasonably necessary in the Divestiture Trustee(s)' judgment to assist in the divestiture(s). Any such investment bankers, attorneys, or other agents shall serve on such terms and conditions as the United States approves including confidentiality requirements and conflict of interest certifications. C. Defendants shall not object to a sale by the Divestiture Trustee(s) on any ground other than the Divestiture Trustee(s)' malfeasance. Any such objections by defendants must be conveyed in writing to United States and the Divestiture Trustee(s) within ten (10) calendar days after the Divestiture Trustee(s) have provided the notice required under Section VII. D. The Divestiture Trustee(s) shall serve at the cost and expense of defendants pursuant to a written agreement, on such terms and conditions as the United States approves, including confidentiality requirements and conflict of interest certifications. The Divestiture Trustee(s) shall account for all monies derived from the sale of the assets sold by the Divestiture Trustee(s) and all costs and expenses so incurred. After approval by the Court of the Divestiture Trustee(s)' accounting, including fees for their services yet unpaid and those of any professionals and agents retained by the Divestiture Trustee(s), all remaining money shall be paid to defendants and the trust shall then be terminated. The compensation of the Divestiture Trustee(s) and any professionals and agents retained by the Divestiture Trustee(s) shall be reasonable in light of the value of the relevant Divestiture Asset(s) and based on a fee arrangement providing the Divestiture Trustee(s) with an incentive based on the price and terms of the divestitures and the speed with which they are accomplished, but timeliness is paramount. If the Divestiture Trustee(s) and defendants are unable to reach agreement on the Divestiture Trustee(s)' or any agents' or consultants' compensation or other terms and conditions of engagement within fourteen (14) calendar days of appointment of the Divestiture Trustee(s), the United States may, in its sole discretion, take appropriate action, including making a recommendation to the Court. The Divestiture Trustee(s) shall, within three (3) business days of hiring any other professionals or agents, provide written notice of such hiring and the rate of compensation to defendants and the United States. E. Defendants shall use their best efforts to assist the Divestiture Trustee(s) in accomplishing the required divestiture(s). The Divestiture Trustee(s) and any consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other agents retained by the Divestiture Trustee(s) shall have full and complete access to the personnel, books, records, and facilities of the Divestiture Asset(s), and defendants shall develop financial and other information relevant to the Divestiture Asset(s) as the Divestiture Trustee(s) may reasonably request, subject to reasonable protection for trade secret or other confidential research, development, or commercial information or any applicable privileges. Defendants shall take no action to interfere with or to impede the Divestiture Trustee(s)' accomplishment of the divestiture(s). F. After their appointment, the Divestiture Trustee(s) shall file monthly reports with the United States and, as appropriate, the Court setting forth the Divestiture Trustee(s)' efforts to accomplish the divestitures ordered under this Final Judgment. To the extent such reports contain information that the Divestiture Trustee(s) deem confidential, such reports shall not be filed in the public docket of the Court. Such reports shall include the name, address, and telephone number of each person who, during the preceding month, made an offer to acquire, expressed an interest in acquiring, entered into negotiations to acquire, or was contacted or made an inquiry about acquiring, any interest in the Divestiture Asset(s), and shall describe in detail each contact with any such person. The Divestiture Trustee(s) shall maintain full records of all efforts made to divest the Divestiture Asset(s). G. If the Divestiture Trustee(s) have not accomplished the divestitures ordered under this Final Judgment within six months after their appointment, the Divestiture Trustee(s) shall promptly file with the Court a report setting forth (1) the Divestiture Trustee(s)' efforts to accomplish the required divestiture(s), (2) the reasons, in the Divestiture Trustee(s)' judgment, why the required divestiture(s) have not been accomplished, and (3) the Divestiture Trustee(s)' recommendations. To the extent such report contains information that the Divestiture Trustee(s) deem confidential, such report shall not be filed in the public docket of the Court. The Divestiture Trustee(s) shall at the same time furnish such report to the [[Page 28897]] United States which shall have the right to make additional recommendations consistent with the purpose of the trust. The Court thereafter shall enter such orders as it shall deem appropriate to carry out the purpose of the Final Judgment, which may, if necessary, include extending the trust and the term of the Divestiture Trustee(s)' appointment by a period requested by the United States. H. If the United States determines that the Divestiture Trustee(s) have ceased to act or failed to act diligently or in a reasonably cost- effective manner, it may recommend the Court appoint substitute Divestiture Trustee(s). VII. NOTICE OF PROPOSED DIVESTITURES A. Within two (2) business days following execution of any definitive divestiture agreement, defendants or the Divestiture Trustee(s), whichever is then responsible for effecting the divestitures required herein, shall notify plaintiffs of any proposed divestiture required by Section IV, V, or VI of this Final Judgment. If the Divestiture Trustee(s) are responsible, they shall similarly notify defendants. The notice shall set forth the details of the proposed divestitures and list the name, address, and telephone number of each person not previously identified who offered or expressed an interest in or desire to acquire any ownership interest in the Divestiture Asset(s), together with full details of the same. B. Within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt by plaintiffs of such notice, the United States, after consultation with the Plaintiff States, may request from defendants, the proposed Acquirer, any other third party, or the Divestiture Trustee(s), if applicable, additional information concerning the proposed divestiture, the proposed Acquirer, and any other potential Acquirer. Defendants and the Divestiture Trustee(s) shall furnish any additional information requested, except such information or documents subject to the attorney-client privilege or work-product doctrine, within fifteen (15) calendar days of the receipt of the request, unless the parties shall otherwise agree. C. Within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of the notice or within twenty (20) calendar days after the United States has been provided the additional information requested from defendants, the proposed Acquirer, any third party, and the Divestiture Trustee(s), whichever is later, the United States shall provide written notice to defendants and the Divestiture Trustee(s), if there is one or more, stating whether or not it objects to the proposed divestiture. If the United States provides written notice that it does not object, a divestiture may be consummated, subject only to defendants' limited right to object to the sale under Paragraph VI(C) of this Final Judgment. Absent written notice that the United States does not object to the proposed Acquirer or upon objection by the United States, divestiture proposed under Section IV, V, or VI shall not be consummated. Upon objection by defendants under Paragraph VI(C), a divestiture proposed under Section VI shall not be consummated unless approved by the Court. VIII. FINANCING Defendants shall not finance all or any part of any purchase made pursuant to Section IV, V or VI of this Final Judgment. IX. ASSET PRESERVATION Until the divestitures required by this Final Judgment have been accomplished, defendants shall take all steps necessary to comply with the Asset Preservation Stipulation and Order entered by this Court. Defendants shall take no action that would jeopardize the divestitures ordered by this Court. X. AFFIDAVITS A. Within twenty (20) calendar days of the filing of the Complaint in this matter, and every thirty (30) calendar days thereafter until the divestitures have been completed under Section IV, V, and/or VI, defendants shall deliver to the United States an affidavit as to the fact and manner of its compliance with Section IV, V, and/or VI of this Final Judgment. Each such affidavit shall include the name, address, and telephone number of each person who, during the preceding thirty (30) calendar days, made an offer to acquire, expressed an interest in acquiring, entered into negotiations to acquire, or was contacted or made an inquiry about acquiring, any interest in the Divestiture Assets, and shall describe in detail each contact with any such person during that period. Each such affidavit shall also include a description of the efforts defendants have taken to solicit buyers for the Divestiture Assets, and to provide required information to prospective Acquirers, including the limitations, if any, on such information. Assuming the information set forth in the affidavit is true and complete, any objection by the United States to information provided by defendants, including limitation on information, shall be made within fourteen (14) calendar days of receipt of such affidavit. B. Within twenty (20) calendar days of the filing of the Complaint in this matter, defendants shall deliver to the United States an affidavit that describes in reasonable detail all actions defendants have taken and all steps defendants have implemented on an ongoing basis to comply with Section IX of this Final Judgment. Defendants shall deliver to the United States an affidavit describing any changes to the efforts and actions outlined in defendants' earlier affidavits filed pursuant to this section within fifteen (15) calendar days after the change is implemented. C. Defendants shall keep all records of all efforts made to preserve and divest the Divestiture Assets until one year after such divestitures have been completed. XI. APPOINTMENT OF MONITORING TRUSTEE(S) A. Upon application of the United States, the Court shall appoint a Monitoring Trustee or Trustees selected by the United States and approved by the Court. B. The Monitoring Trustee(s) shall have the power and authority to monitor defendants' compliance with the terms of this Final Judgment and the Asset Preservation Stipulation and Order entered by this Court, and shall have such other powers as this Court deems appropriate. The Monitoring Trustee(s) shall be required to investigate and report on the defendants' compliance with this Final Judgment and the Asset Preservation Stipulation and Order and the defendants' progress toward effectuating the purposes of this Final Judgment. C. Subject to Paragraph XI(E) of this Final Judgment, the Monitoring Trustee(s) may hire at the cost and expense of defendants any consultants, accountants, attorneys, or other agents, who shall be solely accountable to the Monitoring Trustee(s), as reasonably necessary in the Monitoring Trustee(s)' judgment. Any such consultants, accountants, attorneys, or other agents shall serve on such terms and conditions as the United States approves, including confidentiality requirements and conflict of interest certifications. D. Defendants shall not object to actions taken by the Monitoring Trustee(s) in fulfillment of the Monitoring Trustee(s)' responsibilities under any Order of this Court on any ground other than the Monitoring Trustee(s)' malfeasance. Any such objections by defendants must be conveyed in writing to the United States [[Page 28898]] and the Monitoring Trustee(s) within ten (10) calendar days after the action taken by the Monitoring Trustee(s) giving rise to the defendants' objection. E. The Monitoring Trustee(s) shall serve at the cost and expense of defendants pursuant to a written agreement with defendants and on such terms and conditions as the United States approves, including confidentiality requirements and conflict of interest certifications. The compensation of the Monitoring Trustee(s) and any consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other agents retained by the Monitoring Trustee(s) shall be on reasonable and customary terms commensurate with the individuals' experience and responsibilities. If the Monitoring Trustee(s) and defendants are unable to reach agreement on the Monitoring Trustee(s)' or any agents' or consultants' compensation or other terms and conditions of engagement within fourteen (14) calendar days of appointment of the Monitoring Trustee(s), the United States may, in its sole discretion, take appropriate action, including making a recommendation to the Court. The Monitoring Trustee(s) shall, within three (3) business days of hiring any consultants, accountants, attorneys, or other agents, provide written notice of such hiring and the rate of compensation to defendants and the United States. F. The Monitoring Trustee(s) shall have no responsibility or obligation for the operation of defendants' businesses. G. Defendants shall use their best efforts to assist the Monitoring Trustee(s) in monitoring defendants' compliance with their individual obligations under this Final Judgment and under the Asset Preservation Stipulation and Order. The Monitoring Trustee(s) and any consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other agents retained by the Monitoring Trustee(s) shall have full and complete access to the personnel, books, records, and facilities relating to compliance with this Final Judgment, subject to reasonable protection for trade secret or other confidential research, development, or commercial information or any applicable privileges. Defendants shall take no action to interfere with or to impede the Monitoring Trustee(s)' accomplishment of their responsibilities. H. After their appointment, the Monitoring Trustee(s) shall file reports monthly, or more frequently as needed, with the United States and, as appropriate, the Court setting forth defendants' efforts to comply with their obligations under this Final Judgment and under the Asset Preservation Stipulation and Order. To the extent such reports contain information that the Monitoring Trustee(s) deem confidential, such reports shall not be filed in the public docket of the Court. I. The Monitoring Trustee(s) shall serve for at least six (6) months after the divestiture of the Divestiture Assets is finalized pursuant to either Section IV, V and/or VI of this Final Judgment. The United States, in its sole discretion, may extend this time period. J. If the United States determines that the Monitoring Trustee(s) have ceased to act or failed to act diligently or in a reasonably cost- effective manner, it may recommend the Court appoint substitute Monitoring Trustee(s). XII. COMPLIANCE INSPECTION A. For the purposes of determining or securing compliance with this Final Judgment, or of any related orders such as any Asset Preservation Stipulation and Order, or of determining whether the Final Judgment should be modified or vacated, and subject to any legally recognized privilege, from time to time authorized representatives of the United States Department of Justice, including consultants and other persons retained by the United States, shall, upon written request of an authorized representative of the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Antitrust Division, and on reasonable notice to defendants, be permitted: (1) access during defendants' office hours to inspect and copy, or at the option of the United States, to require defendants to provide hard copy or electronic copies of, all books, ledgers, accounts, records, data, and documents in the possession, custody, or control of defendants, relating to any matters contained in this Final Judgment; and (2) to interview, either informally or on the record, defendants' officers, employees, or agents, who may have their individual counsel present, regarding such matters. The interviews shall be subject to the reasonable convenience of the interviewee and without restraint or interference by defendants. B. Upon the written request of an authorized representative of the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Antitrust Division, defendants shall submit written reports or response to written interrogatories, under oath if requested, relating to any of the matters contained in this Final Judgment as may be requested. C. No information or documents obtained by the means provided in this section shall be divulged by the United States to any person other than an authorized representative of the executive branch of the United States, or of the Plaintiff States, except in the course of legal proceedings to which the United States is a party (including grand jury proceedings), or for the purpose of securing compliance with this Final Judgment, or as otherwise required by law. D. If at the time information or documents are furnished by defendants to the United States, defendants represent and identify in writing the material in any such information or documents to which a claim of protection may be asserted under Rule 26(c)(1)(G) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and defendants mark each pertinent page of such material, ``Subject to claim of protection under Rule 26(c)(1)(G) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,'' then the United States shall give defendants ten (10) calendar days' notice prior to divulging such material in any legal proceeding (other than a grand jury proceeding). XIII. NO REACQUISITION Defendants may not reacquire any part of the Divestiture Assets during the term of this Final Judgment. XIV. RETENTION OF JURISDICTION This Court retains jurisdiction to enable any party to this Final Judgment to apply to this Court at any time for further orders and directions as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out or construe this Final Judgment, to modify any of its provisions, to enforce compliance, and to punish violations of its provisions. XV. EXPIRATION OF FINAL JUDGMENT Unless this Court grants an extension, this Final Judgment shall expire ten years from the date of its entry. XVI. PUBLIC INTEREST DETERMINATION Entry of this Final Judgment is in the public interest. The parties have complied with the requirements of the Antitrust Procedures and Penalties Act, 15 U.S.C. 16, including making copies available to the public of this Final Judgment, the Competitive Impact Statement, and any comments thereon and the United States' responses to comments. Based upon the record before the Court, which includes the Competitive Impact Statement and any comments and response to comments filed with the Court, entry of this Final Judgment is in the public interest. Date:------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 28899]] Court approval subject to procedures of Antitrust Procedures and Penalties Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 16 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- United States District Judge United States District Court for The District of Columbia United States of America, State of Iowa, State of Mississippi and State of Montana, Plaintiffs, v. The Dow Chemical Company and E.I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company, Defendants. Case No.: 1:17-cv-01176 Judge: Amit Mehta COMPETITIVE IMPACT STATEMENT Plaintiff United States of America (``United States''), pursuant to Section 2(b) of the Antitrust Procedures and Penalties Act (``APPA'' or ``Tunney Act''), 15 U.S.C. 16(b)-(h), files this Competitive Impact Statement relating to the proposed Final Judgment submitted for entry in this civil antitrust proceeding. I. NATURE AND PURPOSE OF THE PROCEEDING In December 2015, The Dow Chemical Company (``Dow Chemical'') and E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (``DuPont'') announced that they had agreed to a merger of equals in a deal estimated to be valued at over $130 billion. If consummated, the merged entity would be one of the largest chemical companies in the world. Plaintiffs filed a civil antitrust Complaint on June 15, 2017, seeking to enjoin the proposed acquisition. The Complaint alleges that the acquisition would likely reduce or eliminate competition in the markets for broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat and chewing pest insecticides, and tend to create a monopoly in the markets for acid copolymers and ionomers, in the United States in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 18. That loss of competition likely would result in increased prices and a reduction in service and innovation for the customers who rely upon these products. At the same time the Complaint was filed, the Plaintiffs filed a proposed Final Judgment and an Asset Preservation Stipulation and Order which, together, are designed to eliminate the anticompetitive effects of the acquisition. Under the proposed Final Judgment, which is explained more fully below, DuPont is required to divest its Finesse- formulated herbicide products (active ingredients Metsulfuron Methyl and Chlorsulfuron Methyl), and its Rynaxypyr-formulated insecticide products, along with the assets used to develop, manufacture, and sell those products. Dow Chemical is required to divest its Freeport, Texas acid copolymers and ionomers manufacturing unit and associated assets. Under the terms of the Asset Preservation Stipulation and Order, DuPont and Dow Chemical will also take certain steps to ensure that the divestiture assets are operated as competitively independent, economically viable, and ongoing business concerns; that they remain uninfluenced by the consummation of the acquisition; and that competition is maintained during the pendency of the ordered divestiture. The plaintiffs and defendants have stipulated that the proposed Final Judgment may be entered after compliance with the APPA. Entry of the proposed Final Judgment would terminate this action, except that the Court would retain jurisdiction to construe, modify, or enforce the provisions of the proposed Final Judgment and to punish violations thereof. II. DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENTS GIVING RISE TO THE ALLEGED VIOLATION A. The Defendants and the Proposed Transaction Dow Chemical, founded in 1897, is headquartered in Midland, Michigan, operates in approximately 180 countries, and employs over 50,000 people worldwide. In 2016, Dow Chemical had revenues of approximately $48 billion. Dow Chemical's primary lines of business are chemical, plastic, and agricultural products and services. Dow Chemical's products are used in various industries, ranging from agriculture to consumer goods. DuPont, founded in 1802, is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, operates in approximately 90 countries, and employs more than 60,000 people worldwide. In 2016, DuPont reported revenues of $24.5 billion. DuPont's primary products include crop protection chemicals and performance products, such as plastics and polymers. Pursuant to a December 11, 2015 agreement, Dow Chemical and DuPont have agreed to an all-stock merger of equals. At the time of the merger announcement, the combined market capitalization of the companies was $130 billion. The merger plan contemplates spinning off the firms' combined assets into three separate, publicly-traded companies as soon as feasible. One of those companies would focus on agriculture products (with approximately $18 billion in revenue), another on material sciences (approximately $51 billion in revenue), and a third on ``specialty'' products, such as organic light-emitting diodes and building wrap (approximately $13 billion in revenue). B. Crop Protection Chemicals 1. Background Crop protection chemicals are used to protect crops from damage or loss from other biological organisms such as weeds, insects, or disease (e.g., fungus). Crop protection chemicals are critical to protecting crop yield--the total amount of a crop produced at each harvest--which benefits farmers and American consumers. Crop protection chemicals can be separated into three broad categories that have different qualities and attributes: Herbicides (to combat weeds); insecticides (to combat insect pests); and fungicides (to combat microbial disease). The key component of any particular crop protection chemical is the ``active ingredient,'' which is the chemical molecule that produces the desired effect against the targeted weed or insect pest. Crop protection chemicals are typically sold as ``formulated products'' that contain the active ingredient and also inactive ingredients such as solvents, fillers, and adjuvants used to stabilize the active ingredient and facilitate its effective use on the intended crops. Both active ingredients and formulated products must be registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (``EPA'') and approved for use. In order to gain approval, products must meet stringent toxicity and efficacy standards. Approvals are granted on a crop-by- crop basis and contain strict dosage requirements. A farmer wishing to control a certain pest on his or her farm can use only the products and dose-rates that the EPA has approved for the particular crops to which the product will be applied. The crop protection industry includes a handful of large integrated research and development firms (including Dow Chemical and DuPont) that develop, manufacture, and sell crop protection chemicals. While the large research and development firms sometimes sell directly to farmers, their primary customers are large distributors and farmer co- ops that resell products to farmers. a. Broadleaf Herbicides for Winter Wheat Both Dow Chemical and DuPont produce herbicides for winter wheat. [[Page 28900]] Winter wheat is a type of grass that is planted in autumn and produces an edible grain. In the United States, winter wheat is grown primarily in the Great Plains states, including Kansas, Nebraska, and Texas. Herbicides are chemicals used to combat weeds that harm crops. They can be selective (killing only certain types of plants) or non- selective. Non-selective herbicides kill all plant matter, including weeds and the crop. Because of this, non-selective herbicides are typically used after the crop is harvested, to clear the field of remaining weeds. Selective herbicides target only weeds, and are applied ``post-emergence,'' or during the growth of the crop. There are three common types of selective herbicide products: Broadleaf, grass, and cross-spectrum. Broadleaf herbicides primarily eliminate or suppress broadleaf weeds. Grass herbicides primarily eliminate or suppress grass weeds. Cross-spectrum herbicides are effective on both grass and broadleaf weeds. Each herbicide formulation has a different spectrum of weeds on which it is effective, so a farmer chooses an herbicide based on the particular kinds of weeds threatening the crop. Herbicides are registered with the EPA for use on particular crops. Because crop choices and weed threats vary from farm to farm, the options available to farmers may vary from location to location, depending on the specific crop/weed combinations a farmer faces. Dow Chemical and DuPont both offer herbicides that are labeled and registered for the control of broadleaf weeds in winter wheat crops. DuPont's Finesse product is the top broadleaf herbicide used to combat the weed spectrum that typically threatens winter wheat crops. Dow Chemical recently introduced a new broadleaf herbicide for winter wheat, called Quelex. b. Insecticides for Chewing Pests Dow Chemical and DuPont also sell insecticides for chewing pests. Insecticides are used to suppress or eliminate insect infestations in crops. There are three main classes of insect pests: (1) Chewing insects (e.g., moth larvae and beetles); (2) sucking insects (e.g., aphids and stink bugs); and (3) thrips (i.e., thunder flies), which have attributes of both chewing and sucking pests. Insecticide use is particularly important for specialty crop farmers of tree fruit, tree nuts, and other fruits and vegetables (``specialty crops''). Any damage to specialty crops, no matter how slight, can result in the fruit or nut being rejected for sale. Thus, specialty crop farmers are particularly averse to the risk of insect damage when choosing an insecticide. Specialty crop farmers also value selective chemistry insecticides because they are less harmful to beneficial insects (such as bees and parasitic wasps) that not only pollinate fruit, but also help to control damaging insects, such as mites. In contrast, broad spectrum chemistries, such as pyrethroids, kill most of the insects in a field, including beneficial ones. Farmers therefore either minimize their use and/or use them towards the end of a growing season. DuPont produces the active ingredient chlorantraniliprole, which DuPont markets under the trade name, Rynaxypyr. Rynaxypyr is one of the best selling and most effective active ingredients used to combat chewing pests on the market. Rynaxypyr is patent-protected until 2022. In the United States, Rynaxypyr is marketed and sold in formulations under the brand names Altacor, Coragen, and Prevathon. DuPont's 2015 U.S. insecticides sales totaled $118 million; of that total, Rynaxypyr sales accounted for $73 million. Dow Chemical manufactures and sells two active ingredients which are also effective against chewing pests: (1) Methoxyfenozide, sold under the brand name Intrepid, and (2) spinetoram, sold under the brand names Delegate and Radiant. In 2015, Dow Chemical had a total of $165 million in U.S. insecticides sales. Of that total, spinetoram sales accounted for $57 million and methoxyfenozide sales accounted for $34 million. 2. Relevant Markets a. Broadleaf Herbicides for Winter Wheat Sold in the United States To combat broadleaf weeds in winter wheat, particularly in the central plains of the United States, farmers need broadleaf herbicides that are labeled and registered for use on winter wheat. Farmers of winter wheat cannot use grass herbicides to combat broadleaf weeds because they are ineffective. Farmers would not use cross-spectrum herbicides to combat broadleaf weeds, as cross-spectrum herbicides are significantly more expensive and, thus, it would not be cost-justified to use cross-spectrum herbicides for broadleaf weeds alone. Farmers would not forgo using broadleaf herbicides altogether, because doing so would risk significant wheat yield losses. All herbicides sold in the United States must be registered and approved by the EPA. Similar products available in other countries cannot be offered to United States customers due to EPA regulations, so they are not competitive constraints. A small but significant increase in the price of broadleaf herbicides sold in the United States labeled and registered for use on winter wheat would not cause customers of those herbicides to substitute to grass or cross-spectrum herbicides, nor would farmers forgo using herbicides altogether and risk weed damage to their crops. As a result, customers are unlikely to switch away from broadleaf herbicides sold in the United States in volumes sufficient to defeat such a price increase. Accordingly, the development, manufacture, and sale of broadleaf herbicides sold in the United States labeled and registered for use on winter wheat is a line of commerce and relevant market within the meaning of Section 7 of the Clayton Act. b. Insecticides for Chewing Pests Sold in the United States Insecticides for chewing pests are targeted to combat a particular type of pest, and insecticides for other types of pests cannot, in general, be used as substitutes. While there are broad-spectrum insecticides which are effective on more than one type of pest, those insecticides tend to kill indiscriminately, including beneficial insects. Specialty crop farmers in California, Washington and elsewhere need beneficial insects such as bees to pollinate their crops. These farmers would not, however, choose to forgo managing the insect pests which attack their crops, because even slight damage can result in an entire harvest being rejected for sale. All insecticides sold in the United States must be registered and approved by the EPA. Similar products available in other countries cannot be offered to United States customers due to EPA regulations, so they are not competitive constraints. A small but significant increase in the price of chewing pest insecticides sold in the United States would not cause customers of those insecticides to substitute to broad-spectrum insecticides, nor would farmers forgo using insecticides altogether and risk severe pest damage to their whole crop, in volumes sufficient to defeat such a price increase. Accordingly, the development, manufacture, and sale of chewing pest insecticides sold in the United States is a line of commerce and relevant market within the meaning of Section 7 of the Clayton Act. [[Page 28901]] 3. Anticompetitive Effects of the Proposed Acquisition a. Broadleaf Herbicides for Winter Wheat Dow Chemical and DuPont are two of the four largest suppliers of broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat crops in the United States. Together they account for over forty percent of the total market, with combined annual sales of $81 million in 2015. Dow Chemical and DuPont compete head-to-head for the development, manufacture, and sale of broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat. That competition, which would be lost if the merger is consummated, has benefited farmers through lower prices, more effective solutions, and superior service. Competition between Dow Chemical and DuPont has also spurred research, development, and marketing of new and improved broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat. For example, Dow Chemical intends to market its Quelex herbicide, which was recently introduced into the market, to farmers of winter wheat that currently use DuPont's market- leading Finesse product. DuPont considered adopting competitive responses, including price reductions, to protect its market share from Dow Chemical's Quelex herbicide. The proposed merger, therefore, likely would substantially lessen competition for the development, manufacture, and sale of broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat, in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act. This likely would lead to higher prices, less favorable contractual terms, and a reduced incentive to spend significant resources in developing new products. b. Insecticides for Chewing Pests Dow Chemical and DuPont are the two largest suppliers of insecticides used on chewing pests in the United States. Together they account for $238 million in annual sales. The merger of Dow Chemical and DuPont likely would substantially lessen competition in the market for the development, manufacture, and sale of chewing pest insecticides. If the merger between Dow Chemical and DuPont is consummated, the combined company will control nearly seventy-five percent of the market for chewing pest insecticides in the United States. Additionally, Dow Chemical and DuPont's closest competitor sells competing products that are mixed with DuPont's Rynaxypyr, for which the competitor has a license. As a result, specialty crop farmers would have little alternative but to accept increased prices post merger. Competition between Dow Chemical and DuPont has benefited customers of chewing pest insecticides through lower prices, more effective solutions, and superior service. Customers also have benefited from the competition between Dow Chemical and DuPont by obtaining more favorable contract terms, such as financing and priority in product shipments to coincide with crop growing seasons. A combined Dow Chemical and DuPont would have the incentive and ability to eliminate or restrict financial and other incentives to customers, extinguishing this competition and those tangible and valuable benefits to customers. The proposed merger, therefore, likely would substantially lessen competition for the development, manufacture, and sale of chewing pest insecticides, in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act. This likely would lead to higher prices, less favorable contractual terms, and less innovation. 4. Difficulty of Entry The discovery, development, testing, registration, and commercial launch of a new herbicide or insecticide can take ten to fifteen years and can cost well over $150 million dollars. Given the lengthy development cycle, the high hurdles and substantial cost of regulatory approval, entry of additional competitors in the market for either broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat or chewing pest insecticides is not likely to be timely or sufficient to defeat a post-merger price increase. C. Acid Copolymers and Ionomers High-pressure ethylene derivatives (``HiPEDs'') are plastic resins produced by ``cracking,'' or breaking down, petrochemicals into their constituent parts and combining them with various molecules to produce polymer resins. The resulting resins, such as low density polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, acrylate copolymers, grafted polyolefins, acid copolymers, and ionomers, have different performance characteristics, such as hardness, corrosion resistance or scratch resistance, depending on the materials used in their construction. HiPED resins are mixed with other plastic resins to manufacture numerous plastic products, such as films, bottles, coatings, and packaging. Customers source particular HiPED resins that meet their specific needs and requirements and build their manufacturing process around specific resin combinations that give the final product the desired performance characteristics. Unlike most HiPED resins, where there is substitution possible for both the supply and demand of the products, neither customers nor manufacturers can easily switch between acid copolymers and ionomers (two specific types of HiPED resins) and other HiPED resins. 1. Acid Copolymers Acid copolymers are a specific type of HiPED resin manufactured using highly acidic input products. In order to handle inputs with high acid content, HiPED resin manufacturers must install specific corrosion-resistant equipment that is not used for the manufacture of other HiPED resins. Such equipment can cost millions of dollars. Acidic inputs make acid copolymers both highly adhesive and very durable. As a result, acid copolymers are used to create strong seals between substrates, or ``tie layers,'' of flexible packaging. Their increased adhesive ability is particularly necessary in applications where packaging will be exposed to challenging environments, such as high levels of grease, oil, acid, or dust. Because of these characteristics, packaging films made using acid copolymers are ideal for use in the food and beverage industry. Indeed, this industry consumes the vast majority of acid copolymers produced, for use in products such as juice boxes, toothpaste tubes, and meat and cheese wrap, among others. Unlike other plastic films, food and beverage packaging must adhere to strict food safety guidelines, and significant deviations from approved formulas must undergo a rigorous requalification process that can take significant time and expense. Both Dow Chemical and DuPont manufacture acid copolymers in the United States. Dow Chemical manufactures acid copolymers in a dedicated corrosion-resistant facility that is part of its larger chemical complex in Freeport, Texas. DuPont manufactures acid copolymers and other HiPED resins on corrosion-resistant manufacturing lines within facilities located in Sabine, Texas and Victoria, Texas. 2. Ionomers Ionomers are another specific type of HiPED resin. They are directly derived from acid copolymers and are produced by neutralizing acid copolymers with sodium, zinc, magnesium, or other salts. As a result of this process, ionomers are hard and durable. When added to a plastic coating, ionomers make the resulting product more impact- and cut-resistant. Ionomers are used in a multitude of applications, such as decking and automotive parts. Ionomers are preferred for these end uses because [[Page 28902]] their superior toughness and impact resistance protect the underlying product from the repeated blows it is subjected to. Both Dow Chemical and DuPont produce ionomers in the United States. DuPont manufactures ionomers in-line with its acid copolymer production in Sabine, Texas. Dow Chemical manufactures acid copolymers in its Freeport, Texas facility and then ships them to Odessa, Texas, where a third party converts them to ionomers. 3. Relevant Markets a. Acid Copolymers Food and beverage packaging manufacturers purchase the majority of acid copolymers produced in the United States. These customers rely upon the superior sealant and adhesive characteristics acid copolymers provide as compared to other HiPED resins. Additionally, because food and beverage packaging must adhere to strict food safety guidelines, significant deviations from approved formulas must undergo a rigorous qualification process that can take significant time and incur additional costs. Most customers therefore would not switch to another product if faced with a significant and non-transitory increase in the price of acid copolymers. Customers have consistently reported that purchasing acid copolymers abroad is not a realistic option for domestic purchasers, due to taxes, tariffs, logistical costs, and the longer lead times associated with importing acid copolymers. Most customers report that it would take considerably more than a small, significant, and non- transitory increase in price to make European suppliers a viable alternative to Dow Chemical and DuPont. A small but significant increase in price for acid copolymers sold in the United States would not cause customers to turn to another product in sufficient numbers to defeat such a price increase. Thus, the development, manufacture, and sale of acid copolymers in the United States constitutes a relevant product market and line of commerce under Section 7 of the Clayton Act. b. Ionomers Customers purchase ionomers for the superior impact- and cut- resistance characteristics that are not available in other HiPED resins. These customers rely on the hardness and resilience that an ionomer-based coating provides as compared to other coatings. Customers cannot switch to other, less resilient, coatings and cannot forgo the use of protective coatings altogether, as either choice would significantly decrease the useful lifespan of the underlying products. Most customers therefore would not switch to another product if faced with a small but significant and non-transitory increase in the price of ionomers. U.S. customers cannot turn to ionomer suppliers abroad due to taxes, tariffs, logistical costs, and longer lead times associated with importing ionomers. Most customers report that it would take considerably more than a small, significant, and non-transitory increase in price to make European suppliers a viable alternative to Dow Chemical and DuPont. A small but significant increase in price for ionomers sold in the United States would not cause customers to turn to another product in sufficient numbers to defeat such a price increase. Thus, the development, manufacture, and sale of ionomers in the United States constitutes a relevant product market and line of commerce under Section 7 of the Clayton Act. 4. Anticompetitive Effects of the Proposed Transaction a. Acid Copolymers Dow Chemical and DuPont are the only two manufacturers of acid copolymers in the United States. Dow Chemical controls over 80 percent of the U.S. market and DuPont is responsible for 19 percent of sales (less than one tenth of one percent of acid copolymers are imported). The merger of the only U.S. manufacturers of these products would leave customers with little alternative but to accept increased prices post merger. As a result of head-to-head competition between Dow Chemical and DuPont, customers have obtained better pricing, service, and contract terms. In some cases, customers report that Dow Chemical and DuPont have competed to assist customers with the development of new uses for existing acid copolymer products, allowing customers to expand sales and better serve their own consumers. Customers also have benefited from the development of new acid copolymer products, which has been spurred on by competition between Dow Chemical and DuPont. The proposed merger would likely substantially lessen competition for the development, manufacture, and sale of acid copolymers in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act. The U.S. market for acid copolymers is highly concentrated and would become significantly more concentrated as a result of the proposed merger to monopoly: Dow Chemical and DuPont will control over 99 percent of the acid copolymers market in the United States post merger, leading to higher prices and reduced innovation. b. Ionomers Dow Chemical and DuPont are the only two manufacturers of ionomers in the United States, where the two companies collectively are responsible for all sales. Dow Chemical and DuPont are each other's only competitor for ionomers and customers would have no alternative but to accept increased prices post merger. Customers have benefited from the competition between Dow Chemical and DuPont. Dow Chemical is the only company contesting DuPont's near- monopoly in ionomers. Its presence has resulted in better pricing and contract terms for customers, who otherwise would have no choice but to purchase from DuPont. Customers also have benefited from competition between Dow Chemical and DuPont to develop new products from ionomers and new uses for existing ionomer products. The proposed merger would likely substantially lessen competition for the development, manufacture, and sale of ionomers in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act. The market for ionomers is highly concentrated and the proposed merger would result in a monopoly, leading to higher prices and reduced innovation. 5. Difficulty of Entry a. Acid Copolymers In addition to the specialized equipment required to produce ethylene derivatives generally, acid copolymer manufacturing requires a high-pressure autoclave and all equipment surfaces must be coated with a corrosion-resistant material. Only Dow Chemical and DuPont have both high-pressure autoclaves and corrosion-resistant equipment. The cost associated with upgrading an existing ethylene derivative manufacturing operation to produce acid copolymers is estimated to be in the millions of dollars. If the merged firm were to raise prices, timely and sufficient entry is unlikely to deter or counteract competitive harm. b. Ionomers The manufacturing of ionomers requires specialized know-how as well as ready and reliable access to acid copolymers, a key input into ionomer manufacturing. Post merger, Dow Chemical and DuPont will effectively control the entire U.S. market for acid copolymers. As such, even if a third party has the technical capability to [[Page 28903]] manufacture ionomers, it would be limited by the amount of acid copolymers it could obtain on the open market--a market primarily controlled by the merged entity. Because of the specialized know-how and the likely foreclosure of access to a key ingredient, if the merged firm were to raise prices, timely and sufficient entry would be unlikely to deter or counteract competitive harm. III. EXPLANATION OF THE PROPOSED FINAL JUDGMENT The divestitures required by the proposed Final Judgment will eliminate the anticompetitive effects of the merger between Dow Chemical and DuPont by establishing two new, independent, and economically viable competitors. The Crop Protection Divestiture Assets include DuPont's Finesse-formulated herbicide products, which contain the active ingredients Metsulfuron Methyl and Chlorsulfuron Methyl, and its Rynaxypyr-formulated insecticide products, along with the assets which facilitate the development, manufacture, and sale of those products. The Material Science Divestiture Assets include Dow's Freeport, Texas acid copolymers and ionomers manufacturing unit and associated assets. Both of these divestitures must be sold as viable ongoing businesses. Prior to divestiture, defendants must maintain the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets and Material Science Divestiture Assets under an Asset Preservation Stipulation and Order (``APSO''). Under the APSO, defendants must preserve, maintain, and continue to operate both sets of assets as ongoing, economically viable competitive product lines. This includes the requirement that defendants appoint a person or persons to oversee the Crop Protection and Material Science Divestiture Assets. This person or persons shall have complete managerial responsibility for each asset package, subject to the provisions of the proposed Final Judgment, and shall make all business decisions relating to the operation of the assets, including all production, sale, pricing, and discounting decisions, independent of defendants. The assets must also be divested in such a way as to satisfy the United States in its sole discretion, that each business can and will be operated by the Acquirers as viable, ongoing businesses that can compete effectively in the relevant markets (in the case of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets, the United States will exercise its discretion after consultation with the Plaintiff States). Defendants must take all reasonable steps necessary to accomplish the divestitures quickly and shall cooperate with prospective purchasers. Pursuant to Paragraphs IV(A) and V(A) of the proposed Final Judgment, both the Crop Protection Divestiture and Material Science Divestiture must be completed within thirty (30) days after the consummation of the merger of Dow Chemical and DuPont, or sixty (60) days after notice of the entry of the Final Judgment by the Court, whichever is later. Each divestiture package remedies a separate competitive harm alleged in the complaint and must be sold to an Acquirer that will operate the business as a viable, ongoing business. The two asset packages relate to different industries with different customers, market conditions, and required expertise. In order to ensure that the each divestiture package is operated as a viable, ongoing business, the Crop Protection and Material Science Divestiture Assets will likely be sold to different Acquirers. These divestiture periods are longer than those often found in Antitrust Division consent decrees, but are warranted in this case. Transfer of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets and the Material Science Divestiture Assets are both subject to numerous government approvals, including approvals from authorities outside the United States. The longer divestiture period allows defendants and the Acquirer(s) to obtain these regulatory approvals, but still ensures that the divestitures are made as quickly as possible, thus reducing the risk that the assets will decrease in value. Paragraph IV(G) provides that the Acquirer of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets may contract with the defendants for the provision of formulation services for a transitional period. Formulation is the process of adding inert chemicals to the active ingredients that provide the efficacy of crop protection products. Providers of crop protection products routinely use third parties for formulation services in order to optimize supply chains and minimize shipping costs on completed products. However, formulation services must be provided at a facility that has received the appropriate regulatory approvals in the United States (through the United States Environmental Protection Agency) and abroad, a process that may be time-consuming. So, the Acquirer of the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets may choose to enter a formulation services agreement with the defendants prior to being in a position to formulate the acquired products at an approved facility of its own choosing. The formulation services agreement shall be in effect for one (1) year after all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted by jurisdictions where the Finesse-formulated products and the Rynaxypyr-formulated products are currently registered. During the term of the formulation services agreement, defendants shall implement and maintain procedures to preclude the sharing of information between defendants and the Acquirer. The United States, in its sole discretion, may approve an extension of the formulation services agreement for a period not to exceed two (2) years. Paragraph V(G) provides that the Acquirer of the Material Science Divestiture Assets may contract with the defendants for the provision of operating services that include the operation of process controls at the acid copolymer production facility under the management and supervision of the Acquirer. The Acquirer of the Material Science Divestiture Assets may choose to enter an operating services agreement with the defendants because the Material Science Divestiture Assets are located within a significantly larger chemical complex in Freeport, Texas where such services can be more efficiently provided across multiple facilities. Dow offers similar services on an arms-length basis to other firms that own manufacturing assets within the larger chemical complex in Freeport, Texas. During the term of the operating services agreement, defendants shall implement and maintain procedures to preclude the sharing of information between defendants and the Acquirer. Given the complexity of these industries, Section XI of the proposed Final Judgment also provides that the United States may appoint a Monitoring Trustee(s). Because of the size and complexity of the divestitures, separate Monitoring Trustees are required for the Crop Protection Divestiture Assets and Material Science Divestiture Assets. The Monitoring Trustees will have the power and authority to investigate and report on the defendants' compliance with the terms of the proposed Final Judgment and the APSO during the pendency of the divestiture, including the ability to hire at the cost and expense of defendants any consultants, accountants, attorneys, or other agents necessary in the Monitoring Trustees' judgment. The Monitoring Trustees would not have any responsibility or obligation for the operation of the parties' businesses. The Monitoring Trustees will serve at defendants' expense, on such terms and conditions as the United States approves, and defendants must assist the trustees in [[Page 28904]] fulfilling their obligations. The Monitoring Trustees will file monthly reports and will serve for at least six (6) months following the divestiture of all Divestiture Assets, a period which may be extended by the United States, in its sole discretion. Finally, in the event that defendants do not accomplish the divestiture within the periods prescribed in Paragraphs IV(A) and V(A) of the proposed Final Judgment, Section VI of the proposed Final Judgment provides that the Court will appoint a trustee selected by the United States to effect the divestiture. If a trustee is appointed, the proposed Final Judgment provides that defendants will pay all costs and expenses of the trustee. The trustee's commission will be structured so as to provide an incentive for the trustee based on the price obtained and the speed with which the divestiture is accomplished. After his or her appointment becomes effective, the trustee will file monthly reports with the Court and the United States setting forth his or her efforts to accomplish the divestiture. At the end of six (6) months, if the divestiture has not been accomplished, the trustee and the United States will make recommendations to the Court, which shall enter such orders as appropriate, in order to carry out the purpose of the trust, including extending the trust or the term of the trustee's appointment. The divestiture provisions of the proposed Final Judgment will eliminate the anticompetitive effects of the acquisition in the provision of broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat, insecticides for chewing pests, acid copolymers, and ionomers in the United States. IV. REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO POTENTIAL PRIVATE LITIGANTS Section 4 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 15, provides that any person who has been injured as a result of conduct prohibited by the antitrust laws may bring suit in federal court to recover three times the damages the person has suffered, as well as costs and reasonable attorneys' fees. Entry of the proposed Final Judgment will neither impair nor assist the bringing of any private antitrust damage action. Under the provisions of Section 5(a) of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 16(a), the proposed Final Judgment has no prima facie effect in any subsequent private lawsuit that may be brought against defendants. V. PROCEDURES AVAILABLE FOR MODIFICATION OF THE PROPOSED FINAL JUDGMENT The plaintiffs and defendants have stipulated that the proposed Final Judgment may be entered by the Court after compliance with the provisions of the APPA, provided that the United States has not withdrawn its consent. The APPA conditions entry upon the Court's determination that the proposed Final Judgment is in the public interest. The APPA provides a period of at least sixty (60) days preceding the effective date of the proposed Final Judgment within which any person may submit to the United States written comments regarding the proposed Final Judgment. Any person who wishes to comment should do so within sixty (60) days of the date of publication of this Competitive Impact Statement in the Federal Register, or the last date of publication in a newspaper of the summary of this Competitive Impact Statement, whichever is later. All comments received during this period will be considered by the United States Department of Justice, which remains free to withdraw its consent to the proposed Final Judgment at any time prior to the Court's entry of judgment. The comments and the response of the United States will be filed with the Court. In addition, comments will be posted on the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division's internet Web site and, under certain circumstances, published in the Federal Register. Written comments should be submitted to: Maribeth Petrizzi, Chief, Litigation II Section, Antitrust Division, United States Department of Justice, 450 Fifth Street NW., Suite 8700, Washington, DC 20530 The proposed Final Judgment provides that the Court retains jurisdiction over this action, and the parties may apply to the Court for any order necessary or appropriate for the modification, interpretation, or enforcement of the Final Judgment. VI. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED FINAL JUDGMENT The plaintiffs considered, as an alternative to the proposed Final Judgment, a full trial on the merits against defendants. The plaintiffs could have continued the litigation and sought preliminary and permanent injunctions against the merger between Dow Chemical and DuPont. The plaintiffs are satisfied, however, that the divestiture of assets described in the proposed Final Judgment will preserve competition in the markets for broadleaf herbicides for winter wheat, insecticides for chewing pests, acid copolymers, and ionomers. Thus, the proposed Final Judgment would achieve all or substantially all of the relief the plaintiffs would have obtained through litigation, but avoids the time, expense, and uncertainty of a full trial on the merits of the Complaint. VII. STANDARD OF REVIEW UNDER THE APPA FOR THE PROPOSED FINAL JUDGMENT The Clayton Act, as amended by the APPA, requires that proposed consent judgments in antitrust cases brought by the United States be subject to a sixty-day comment period, after which the court shall determine whether entry of the proposed Final Judgment ``is in the public interest.'' 15 U.S.C. 16(e)(1). In making that determination, the court, in accordance with the statute as amended in 2004, is required to consider: (A) the competitive impact of such judgment, including termination of alleged violations, provisions for enforcement and modification, duration of relief sought, anticipated effects of alternative remedies actually considered, whether its terms are ambiguous, and any other competitive considerations bearing upon the adequacy of such judgment that the court deems necessary to a determination of whether the consent judgment is in the public interest; and (B) the impact of entry of such judgment upon competition in the relevant market or markets, upon the public generally and individuals alleging specific injury from the violations set forth in the complaint including consideration of the public benefit, if any, to be derived from a determination of the issues at trial. 15 U.S.C. 16(e)(1)(A) & (B). In considering these statutory factors, the court's inquiry is necessarily a limited one as the government is entitled to ``broad discretion to settle with the defendant within the reaches of the public interest.'' United States v. Microsoft Corp., 56 F.3d 1448, 1461 (D.C. Cir. 1995); see generally United States v. SBC Commc'ns, Inc., 489 F. Supp. 2d 1 (D.D.C. 2007) (assessing public interest standard under the Tunney Act); United States v, U.S. Airways Group, Inc., 38 F. Supp. 3d 69, 75 (D.D.C. 2014) (noting the court has broad discretion of the adequacy of the relief at issue); United States v. InBev N.V./S.A., No. 08-1965 (JR), 2009-2 Trade Cas. (CCH) ] 76,736, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 84787, at *3, (D.D.C. Aug. 11, 2009) (noting that the court's review of a consent judgment is limited and only inquires ``into whether the government's determination that the proposed remedies will cure the antitrust violations alleged in the complaint was reasonable, and whether [[Page 28905]] the mechanism to enforce the final judgment are clear and manageable.'').\1\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The 2004 amendments substituted ``shall'' for ``may'' in directing relevant factors for court to consider and amended the list of factors to focus on competitive considerations and to address potentially ambiguous judgment terms. Compare 15 U.S.C. 16(e) (2004), with 15 U.S.C. 16(e)(1) (2006); see also SBC Commc'ns, 489 F. Supp. 2d at 11 (concluding that the 2004 amendments ``effected minimal changes'' to Tunney Act review). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has held, under the APPA a court considers, among other things, the relationship between the remedy secured and the specific allegations set forth in the government's complaint, whether the decree is sufficiently clear, whether enforcement mechanisms are sufficient, and whether the decree may positively harm third parties. See Microsoft, 56 F.3d at 1458-62. With respect to the adequacy of the relief secured by the decree, a court may not ``engage in an unrestricted evaluation of what relief would best serve the public.'' United States v. BNS, Inc., 858 F.2d 456, 462 (9th Cir. 1988) (quoting United States v. Bechtel Corp., 648 F.2d 660, 666 (9th Cir. 1981)); see also Microsoft, 56 F.3d at 1460-62; United States v. Alcoa, Inc., 152 F. Supp. 2d 37, 40 (D.D.C. 2001); InBev, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 84787, at *3. Courts have held that: [t]he balancing of competing social and political interests affected by a proposed antitrust consent decree must be left, in the first instance, to the discretion of the Attorney General. The court's role in protecting the public interest is one of insuring that the government has not breached its duty to the public in consenting to the decree. The court is required to determine not whether a particular decree is the one that will best serve society, but whether the settlement is ``within the reaches of the public interest.'' More elaborate requirements might undermine the effectiveness of antitrust enforcement by consent decree. Bechtel, 648 F.2d at 666 (emphasis added) (citations omitted).\2\ In determining whether a proposed settlement is in the public interest, a district court ``must accord deference to the government's predictions about the efficacy of its remedies, and may not require that the remedies perfectly match the alleged violations.'' SBC Commc'ns, 489 F. Supp. 2d at 17; see also U.S. Airways, 38 F. Supp. 3d at 75 (noting that a court should not reject the proposed remedies because it believes others are preferable); Microsoft, 56 F.3d at 1461 (noting the need for courts to be ``deferential to the government's predictions as to the effect of the proposed remedies''); United States v. Archer- Daniels-Midland Co., 272 F. Supp. 2d 1, 6 (D.D.C. 2003) (noting that the court should grant due respect to the United States' prediction as to the effect of proposed remedies, its perception of the market structure, and its views of the nature of the case). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ Cf. BNS, 858 F.2d at 464 (holding that the court's ``ultimate authority under the [APPA] is limited to approving or disapproving the consent decree''); United States v. Gillette Co., 406 F. Supp. 713, 716 (D. Mass. 1975) (noting that, in this way, the court is constrained to ``look at the overall picture not hypercritically, nor with a microscope, but with an artist's reducing glass''). See generally Microsoft, 56 F.3d at 1461 (discussing whether ``the remedies [obtained in the decree are] so inconsonant with the allegations charged as to fall outside of the `reaches of the public interest' ''). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Courts have greater flexibility in approving proposed consent decrees than in crafting their own decrees following a finding of liability in a litigated matter. ``[A] proposed decree must be approved even if it falls short of the remedy the court would impose on its own, as long as it falls within the range of acceptability or is `within the reaches of public interest.' '' United States v. Am. Tel. & Tel. Co., 552 F. Supp. 131, 151 (D.D.C. 1982) (citations omitted) (quoting United States v. Gillette Co., 406 F. Supp. 713, 716 (D. Mass. 1975)), aff'd sub nom. Maryland v. United States, 460 U.S. 1001 (1983); see also U.S. Airways, 38 F. Supp. 3d at 74 (noting that room must be made for the government to grant concessions in the negotiation process for settlements (citing Microsoft, 56 F.3d at 1461); United States v. Alcan Aluminum Ltd., 605 F. Supp. 619, 622 (W.D. Ky. 1985) (approving the consent decree even though the court would have imposed a greater remedy). To meet this standard, the United States ``need only provide a factual basis for concluding that the settlements are reasonably adequate remedies for the alleged harms.'' SBC Commc'ns, 489 F. Supp. 2d at 17. Moreover, the court's role under the APPA is limited to reviewing the remedy in relationship to the violations that the United States has alleged in its Complaint, and does not authorize the court to ``construct [its] own hypothetical case and then evaluate the decree against that case.'' Microsoft, 56 F.3d at 1459; see also U.S. Airways, 38 F. Supp. 3d at 74 (noting that the court must simply determine whether there is a factual foundation for the government's decisions such that its conclusions regarding the proposed settlements are reasonable; InBev, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 84787, at *20 (``the `public interest' is not to be measured by comparing the violations alleged in the complaint against those the court believes could have, or even should have, been alleged''). Because the ``court's authority to review the decree depends entirely on the government's exercising its prosecutorial discretion by bringing a case in the first place,'' it follows that ``the court is only authorized to review the decree itself,'' and not to ``effectively redraft the complaint'' to inquire into other matters that the United States did not pursue. Microsoft, 56 F.3d at 1459-60. As this court recently confirmed in SBC Communications, courts ``cannot look beyond the complaint in making the public interest determination unless the complaint is drafted so narrowly as to make a mockery of judicial power.'' SBC Commc'ns, 489 F. Supp. 2d at 15. In its 2004 amendments, Congress made clear its intent to preserve the practical benefits of utilizing consent decrees in antitrust enforcement, adding the unambiguous instruction that ``[n]othing in this section shall be construed to require the court to conduct an evidentiary hearing or to require the court to permit anyone to intervene.'' 15 U.S.C. Sec. 16(e)(2); see also U.S. Airways, 38 F. Supp. 3d at 75 (indicating that a court is not required to hold an evidentiary hearing or to permit intervenors as part of its review under the Tunney Act). The language wrote into the statute what Congress intended when it enacted the Tunney Act in 1974, as Senator Tunney explained: ``[t]he court is nowhere compelled to go to trial or to engage in extended proceedings which might have the effect of vitiating the benefits of prompt and less costly settlement through the consent decree process.'' 119 Cong. Rec. 24,598 (1973) (statement of Sen. Tunney). Rather, the procedure for the public interest determination is left to the discretion of the court, with the recognition that the court's ``scope of review remains sharply proscribed by precedent and the nature of Tunney Act proceedings.'' SBC Commc'ns, 489 F. Supp. 2d at 11.\3\ A court can make its public interest determination based on the competitive impact statement and [[Page 28906]] response to public comments alone. U.S. Airways, 38 F. Supp. 3d at 75. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \3\ See United States v. Enova Corp., 107 F. Supp. 2d 10, 17 (D.D.C. 2000) (noting that the ``Tunney Act expressly allows the court to make its public interest determination on the basis of the competitive impact statement and response to comments alone''); United States v. Mid-Am. Dairymen, Inc., No. 73-CV-681-W-1, 1977-1 Trade Cas. (CCH) ] 61,508, at 71,980, *22 (W.D. Mo. 1977) (``Absent a showing of corrupt failure of the government to discharge its duty, the Court, in making its public interest finding, should . . . carefully consider the explanations of the government in the competitive impact statement and its responses to comments in order to determine whether those explanations are reasonable under the circumstances.''); S. Rep. No. 93-298, at 6 (1973) (``Where the public interest can be meaningfully evaluated simply on the basis of briefs and oral arguments, that is the approach that should be utilized.''). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- VIII. DETERMINATIVE DOCUMENTS There are no determinative materials or documents within the meaning of the APPA that were considered by the United States in formulating the proposed Final Judgment. Dated: June 15, 2017 Respectfully submitted, /s/-------------------------------------------------------------------- Lowell R. Stern (DC Bar #440487) United States Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, Litigation II Section, 450 Fifth Street NW., Suite 8700, Washington, DC 20530, (202) 514-3676, (202) 514-9033 (Facsimile), [email protected]. [FR Doc. 2017-13326 Filed 6-23-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P
![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 121 / Monday, June 26, 2017 / Notices 28905
the mechanism to enforce the final Commc’ns, 489 F. Supp. 2d at 17; see depends entirely on the government’s
judgment are clear and manageable.’’).1 also U.S. Airways, 38 F. Supp. 3d at 75 exercising its prosecutorial discretion by
As the United States Court of Appeals (noting that a court should not reject the bringing a case in the first place,’’ it
for the District of Columbia Circuit has proposed remedies because it believes follows that ‘‘the court is only
held, under the APPA a court considers, others are preferable); Microsoft, 56 F.3d authorized to review the decree itself,’’
among other things, the relationship at 1461 (noting the need for courts to be and not to ‘‘effectively redraft the
between the remedy secured and the ‘‘deferential to the government’s complaint’’ to inquire into other matters
specific allegations set forth in the predictions as to the effect of the that the United States did not pursue.
government’s complaint, whether the proposed remedies’’); United States v. Microsoft, 56 F.3d at 1459–60. As this
decree is sufficiently clear, whether Archer-Daniels-Midland Co., 272 F. court recently confirmed in SBC
enforcement mechanisms are sufficient, Supp. 2d 1, 6 (D.D.C. 2003) (noting that Communications, courts ‘‘cannot look
and whether the decree may positively the court should grant due respect to the beyond the complaint in making the
harm third parties. See Microsoft, 56 United States’ prediction as to the effect public interest determination unless the
F.3d at 1458–62. With respect to the of proposed remedies, its perception of complaint is drafted so narrowly as to
adequacy of the relief secured by the the market structure, and its views of make a mockery of judicial power.’’ SBC
decree, a court may not ‘‘engage in an the nature of the case). Commc’ns, 489 F. Supp. 2d at 15.
unrestricted evaluation of what relief Courts have greater flexibility in In its 2004 amendments, Congress
would best serve the public.’’ United approving proposed consent decrees made clear its intent to preserve the
States v. BNS, Inc., 858 F.2d 456, 462 than in crafting their own decrees practical benefits of utilizing consent
(9th Cir. 1988) (quoting United States v. following a finding of liability in a decrees in antitrust enforcement, adding
Bechtel Corp., 648 F.2d 660, 666 (9th litigated matter. ‘‘[A] proposed decree the unambiguous instruction that
Cir. 1981)); see also Microsoft, 56 F.3d must be approved even if it falls short ‘‘[n]othing in this section shall be
at 1460–62; United States v. Alcoa, Inc., of the remedy the court would impose construed to require the court to
152 F. Supp. 2d 37, 40 (D.D.C. 2001); on its own, as long as it falls within the conduct an evidentiary hearing or to
InBev, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 84787, at range of acceptability or is ‘within the require the court to permit anyone to
*3. Courts have held that: reaches of public interest.’ ’’ United intervene.’’ 15 U.S.C. § 16(e)(2); see also
States v. Am. Tel. & Tel. Co., 552 F. U.S. Airways, 38 F. Supp. 3d at 75
[t]he balancing of competing social and Supp. 131, 151 (D.D.C. 1982) (citations
political interests affected by a proposed (indicating that a court is not required
omitted) (quoting United States v. to hold an evidentiary hearing or to
antitrust consent decree must be left, in the
first instance, to the discretion of the Gillette Co., 406 F. Supp. 713, 716 (D. permit intervenors as part of its review
Attorney General. The court’s role in Mass. 1975)), aff’d sub nom. Maryland under the Tunney Act). The language
protecting the public interest is one of v. United States, 460 U.S. 1001 (1983); wrote into the statute what Congress
insuring that the government has not see also U.S. Airways, 38 F. Supp. 3d at intended when it enacted the Tunney
breached its duty to the public in consenting 74 (noting that room must be made for Act in 1974, as Senator Tunney
to the decree. The court is required to the government to grant concessions in
determine not whether a particular decree is
explained: ‘‘[t]he court is nowhere
the negotiation process for settlements compelled to go to trial or to engage in
the one that will best serve society, but (citing Microsoft, 56 F.3d at 1461);
whether the settlement is ‘‘within the reaches extended proceedings which might have
United States v. Alcan Aluminum Ltd., the effect of vitiating the benefits of
of the public interest.’’ More elaborate
605 F. Supp. 619, 622 (W.D. Ky. 1985) prompt and less costly settlement
requirements might undermine the
effectiveness of antitrust enforcement by (approving the consent decree even
through the consent decree process.’’
consent decree. though the court would have imposed a
119 Cong. Rec. 24,598 (1973) (statement
greater remedy). To meet this standard,
Bechtel, 648 F.2d at 666 (emphasis of Sen. Tunney). Rather, the procedure
the United States ‘‘need only provide a
added) (citations omitted).2 In for the public interest determination is
factual basis for concluding that the
determining whether a proposed left to the discretion of the court, with
settlements are reasonably adequate
settlement is in the public interest, a the recognition that the court’s ‘‘scope
remedies for the alleged harms.’’ SBC
district court ‘‘must accord deference to of review remains sharply proscribed by
Commc’ns, 489 F. Supp. 2d at 17.
the government’s predictions about the Moreover, the court’s role under the precedent and the nature of Tunney Act
efficacy of its remedies, and may not APPA is limited to reviewing the proceedings.’’ SBC Commc’ns, 489 F.
require that the remedies perfectly remedy in relationship to the violations Supp. 2d at 11.3 A court can make its
match the alleged violations.’’ SBC that the United States has alleged in its public interest determination based on
Complaint, and does not authorize the the competitive impact statement and
1 The 2004 amendments substituted ‘‘shall’’ for
court to ‘‘construct [its] own
‘‘may’’ in directing relevant factors for court to 3 See United States v. Enova Corp., 107 F. Supp.
consider and amended the list of factors to focus on
hypothetical case and then evaluate the
2d 10, 17 (D.D.C. 2000) (noting that the ‘‘Tunney
competitive considerations and to address decree against that case.’’ Microsoft, 56 Act expressly allows the court to make its public
potentially ambiguous judgment terms. Compare 15 F.3d at 1459; see also U.S. Airways, 38 interest determination on the basis of the
U.S.C. 16(e) (2004), with 15 U.S.C. 16(e)(1) (2006); F. Supp. 3d at 74 (noting that the court competitive impact statement and response to
see also SBC Commc’ns, 489 F. Supp. 2d at 11 comments alone’’); United States v. Mid-Am.
(concluding that the 2004 amendments ‘‘effected
must simply determine whether there is
Dairymen, Inc., No. 73–CV–681–W–1, 1977–1 Trade
minimal changes’’ to Tunney Act review). a factual foundation for the Cas. (CCH) ¶ 61,508, at 71,980, *22 (W.D. Mo. 1977)
2 Cf. BNS, 858 F.2d at 464 (holding that the government’s decisions such that its (‘‘Absent a showing of corrupt failure of the
court’s ‘‘ultimate authority under the [APPA] is conclusions regarding the proposed government to discharge its duty, the Court, in
limited to approving or disapproving the consent making its public interest finding, should . . .
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
settlements are reasonable; InBev, 2009
decree’’); United States v. Gillette Co., 406 F. Supp. carefully consider the explanations of the
713, 716 (D. Mass. 1975) (noting that, in this way,
U.S. Dist. LEXIS 84787, at *20 (‘‘the government in the competitive impact statement
the court is constrained to ‘‘look at the overall ‘public interest’ is not to be measured by and its responses to comments in order to
picture not hypercritically, nor with a microscope, comparing the violations alleged in the determine whether those explanations are
but with an artist’s reducing glass’’). See generally complaint against those the court reasonable under the circumstances.’’); S. Rep. No.
Microsoft, 56 F.3d at 1461 (discussing whether ‘‘the 93–298, at 6 (1973) (‘‘Where the public interest can
remedies [obtained in the decree are] so
believes could have, or even should be meaningfully evaluated simply on the basis of
inconsonant with the allegations charged as to fall have, been alleged’’). Because the briefs and oral arguments, that is the approach that
outside of the ‘reaches of the public interest’ ’’). ‘‘court’s authority to review the decree should be utilized.’’).
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![28906 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 121 / Monday, June 26, 2017 / Notices
response to public comments alone. —Evaluate whether the proposed Management Division, Policy and
U.S. Airways, 38 F. Supp. 3d at 75. collection of information is necessary Planning Staff, Two Constitution
for the proper performance of the Square, 145 N Street NE., 3E.405B,
VIII. DETERMINATIVE DOCUMENTS
functions of the Bureau of Justice Washington, DC 20530.
There are no determinative materials Statistics, including whether the Dated: June 21, 2017.
or documents within the meaning of the information will have practical utility; Melody D. Braswell,
APPA that were considered by the —Evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s
United States in formulating the Department Clearance Officer for PRA, U.S.
estimate of the burden of the
Department of Justice.
proposed Final Judgment. proposed collection of information,
[FR Doc. 2017–13251 Filed 6–23–17; 8:45 am]
Dated: June 15, 2017 including the validity of the
BILLING CODE 4410–30–P
Respectfully submitted, methodology and assumptions used;
—Evaluate whether and if so how the
/s/ lllllllllllllllllll
Lowell R. Stern (DC Bar #440487)
quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected can be DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
United States Department of Justice,
Antitrust Division, Litigation II Section, 450 enhanced; and
Office of the Secretary
Fifth Street NW., Suite 8700, Washington, DC —Minimize the burden of the collection
20530, (202) 514–3676, (202) 514–9033 of information on those who are to
Agency Information Collection
(Facsimile), lowell.stern@usdoj.gov. respond, including through the use of
Activities; Submission for OMB
[FR Doc. 2017–13326 Filed 6–23–17; 8:45 am] appropriate automated, electronic,
Review; Comment Request; Report on
mechanical, or other technological
BILLING CODE P Occupational Employment and Wages
collection techniques or other forms
of information technology, e.g., ACTION: Notice.
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE permitting electronic submission of
responses. SUMMARY: The Department of Labor
[OMB Number 1125–0005]
(DOL) is submitting the Bureau of Labor
Overview of This Information
Agency Information Collection Statistics (BLS) sponsored information
Collection:
Activities; Proposed Collection; collection request (ICR) revision titled,
1. Type of Information Collection: ‘‘Report on Occupational Employment
Comments Requested; Request To Be
Revision of a currently approved and Wages,’’ to the Office of
Included on the List of Pro Bono Legal
collection. Management and Budget (OMB) for
Service Providers for Individuals in 2. The Title of the Form/Collection:
Immigration Proceedings (Form EOIR– review and approval for use in
Request to be Included on the List of Pro accordance with the Paperwork
56) Bono Legal Service Providers for Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995. Public
AGENCY: Executive Office for Individuals in Immigration Proceedings. comments on the ICR are invited.
Immigration Review, Department of 3. The agency form number: EOIR–56
DATES: The OMB will consider all
Justice. (OMB #1125–0015).
4. Affected public who will be asked written comments that agency receives
ACTION: 60-day notice. on or before July 26, 2017.
or required to respond, as well as a brief
abstract: ADDRESSES: A copy of this ICR with
SUMMARY: The Department of Justice
(DOJ), Executive Office for Immigration Primary: Legal service providers applicable supporting documentation;
Review (EOIR), will be submitting the seeking to be included on the List of Pro including a description of the likely
following information collection request Bono Legal Service Providers (‘‘List’’), a respondents, proposed frequency of
to the Office of Management and Budget list of persons who have indicated their response, and estimated total burden
(OMB) for review and approval in availability to represent aliens on a pro may be obtained free of charge from the
accordance with the Paperwork bono basis. Abstract: EOIR seeks to RegInfo.gov Web site at http://
Reduction Act of 1995. replace the current paper version of the www.reginfo.gov/public/do/
EOIR Forms-56, with an electronic PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=201705-1220-003
DATES: Comments are encouraged and
system to make an initial application (this link will only become active on the
will be accepted for 60 days until day following publication of this notice)
August 25, 2017. and apply for continued participation in
the List. Form EOIR–56 will be or by contacting Michel Smyth by
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If mandatory, and is intended to elicit, in telephone at 202–693–4129, TTY 202–
you have additional comments a uniform manner, all of the required 693–8064, (these are not toll-free
especially on the estimated public information for EOIR to determine numbers) or sending an email to DOL_
burden or associated response time, whether an applicant meets the PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov.
suggestions, or need a copy of the eligibility requirements for inclusion on Submit comments about this request
proposed information collection the List. by mail to the Office of Information and
instrument with instructions or 5. An estimate of the total number of Regulatory Affairs, Attn: OMB Desk
additional information, please contact respondents and the amount of time Officer for DOL–BLS, Office of
Jean King, General Counsel, USDOJ– estimated for an average respondent to Management and Budget, Room 10235,
EOIR–OGC, Suite 2600, 5107 Leesburg respond: It is estimated that 161 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC
Pike, Falls Church, Virginia, 20530; respondents will complete each form 20503; by Fax: 202–395–5806 (this is
telephone: (703) 305–0470. not a toll-free number); or by email:
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
within approximately 30 minutes.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Written 6. An estimate of the total public OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov.
comments and suggestions from the burden (in hours) associated with the Commenters are encouraged, but not
public and affected agencies concerning collection: 80.5 annual burden hours. required, to send a courtesy copy of any
the proposed collection of information If additional information is required comments by mail or courier to the U.S.
are encouraged. Your comments should contact: Melody D. Braswell, Department of Labor-OASAM, Office of
address one or more of the following Department Clearance Officer, United the Chief Information Officer, Attn:
four points: States Department of Justice, Justice Departmental Information Compliance
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:04 Jun 23, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\26JNN1.SGM 26JNN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_29008/page/20.svg)
Document Created: 2018-11-14 10:11:19
Document Modified: 2018-11-14 10:11:19
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 28887 |
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