United States v. United Technologies Corporation, et al.; Proposed Final Judgment and Competitive Impact Statement, 52542-52557 [2018-22555]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 201 / Wednesday, October 17, 2018 / Notices
Dated: September 14, 2018.
Melanie O’Brien,
Manager, National NAGPRA Program.
8700, Washington, DC 20530
(telephone: (202) 307–0924).
Patricia A. Brink,
Director of Civil Enforcement.
[FR Doc. 2018–22594 Filed 10–16–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312–52–P
United States District Court for the
District of Columbia
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Antitrust Division
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United States v. United Technologies
Corporation, 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, Stipulation, and
Competitive Impact Statement have
been filed with the United States
District Court for the District of
Columbia in United States of America v.
United Technologies Corporation, et al.,
Civil Action No. 1:18–cv–02279. On
October 1, 2018, the United States filed
a Complaint alleging that United
Technologies Corporation’s proposed
acquisition of Rockwell Collins, Inc.
(‘‘Rockwell Collins’’) 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
Rockwell Collins’ ice protection systems
business and trimmable horizontal
stabilizer business, including Rockwell
Collins’ pilot controls business.
Copies of the Complaint, proposed
Final Judgment, and Competitive Impact
Statement are available for inspection
on the Antitrust Division’s website at
https://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
website, filed with the Court, and, under
certain circumstances, published in the
Federal Register. Comments should be
directed to Maribeth Petrizzi, Chief,
Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace
Section, Antitrust Division, Department
of Justice, 450 Fifth Street NW, Suite
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United States of America, U.S. Department
of Justice, Antitrust Division, 450 5th Street
NW, Suite 8700, Washington, DC 20530,
Plaintiff, v., United Technologies
Corporation, 10 Farm Springs Road,
Farmington, CT 06032, and, Rockwell
Collins, Inc., 400 Collins Road NE, Cedar
Rapids, IA 52498, Defendants.
Civil Action No: 1:18-cv-02279,
Judge: Rudolph Contreras
COMPLAINT
The United States of America
(‘‘United States’’), acting under the
direction of the Attorney General of the
United States, brings this civil antitrust
action against United Technologies
Corporation (‘‘UTC’’) and Rockwell
Collins, Inc. (‘‘Rockwell Collins’’) to
enjoin UTC’s proposed acquisition of
Rockwell Collins. The United States
complains and alleges as follows:
I. NATURE OF THE ACTION
1. Pursuant to an asset purchase
agreement dated September 4, 2017,
UTC proposes to acquire all the shares
of Rockwell Collins. The transaction is
valued at approximately $30 billion.
The acquisition would constitute one of
the largest aerospace acquisitions in
history.
2. UTC and Rockwell Collins are two
of three suppliers in the world for
pneumatic ice protection systems for
fixed-wing aircraft (‘‘aircraft’’). Ice
protection systems are critical to aircraft
safety, as aircraft icing is a major hazard
to aviation. The proposed acquisition
would eliminate competition between
UTC and Rockwell Collins for these
systems.
3. UTC and Rockwell Collins are two
of the leading suppliers in the
worldwide market for trimmable
horizontal stabilizer actuators
(‘‘THSAs’’) for large aircraft. THSAs
help an aircraft maintain the proper
altitude during flight and are critical to
the safe operation of the aircraft. The
proposed acquisition would eliminate
competition between UTC and Rockwell
Collins for THSAs for large aircraft.
4. As a result, the proposed
acquisition likely would substantially
lessen competition in the worldwide
markets for the development,
manufacture, and sale of pneumatic ice
protection systems for aircraft and
THSAs for large aircraft in violation of
Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C.
§ 18.
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II. THE DEFENDANTS
5. UTC is incorporated in Delaware
and has its headquarters in Farmington,
Connecticut. UTC produces a wide
range of products for the aerospace
industry and other industries, including
pneumatic ice protection systems for
aircraft and THSAs for large aircraft. In
2017, UTC had sales of approximately
$59.8 billion.
6. Rockwell Collins is incorporated in
Delaware and is headquartered in Cedar
Rapids, Iowa. Rockwell Collins is a
major provider of aerospace and defense
electronics systems. Rockwell Collins
produces, among other products,
pneumatic ice protection systems for
aircraft and THSAs for large aircraft. In
fiscal year 2017, Rockwell Collins had
sales of approximately $6.8 billion.
III. JURISDICTION AND VENUE
7. The United States brings this action
under Section 15 of the Clayton Act, 15
U.S.C. § 25, as amended, to prevent and
restrain Defendants from violating
Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C.
§ 18.
8. Defendants develop, manufacture,
and sell pneumatic ice protection
systems for aircraft and THSAs for large
aircraft in the flow of interstate
commerce. Defendants’ activities in the
development, manufacture, and sale of
these products substantially affects
interstate commerce. This Court has
subject matter jurisdiction over this
action pursuant to Section 15 of the
Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. § 25, and 28
U.S.C. §§ 1331, 1337(a), and 1345.
9. 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
under 28 U.S.C. § 1391(c).
IV. PNEUMATIC ICE PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
A. Background
10. During flight, ice can accumulate
on an aircraft’s leading edge surfaces,
such as the part of the aircraft’s wings
that first contact the air during flight.
Such accumulation affects an aircraft’s
maneuverability, increases drag, and
decreases lift. If it remains untreated,
surface ice accumulation can lead to a
catastrophic flight event.
11. A pneumatic ice protection system
is engineered to remove accumulated
ice on an aircraft’s wings. A pneumatic
ice protection system consists of two
main elements, a de-icing boot and
pneumatic system hardware. A de-icing
boot is an inflatable tube made of rubber
or a similar material that is physically
bonded to the leading edge of the
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aircraft’s wings. The pneumatic system
hardware consists of equipment
designed to control the flow of air into
the de-icing boot. When ice begins to
accumulate on the wings, the de-icing
boot is inflated. The expansion of the
de-icing boot cracks the ice off the
leading edge. The de-icing boot may be
inflated and deflated manually (by the
pilot) or automatically (by a timer).
12. Pneumatic ice protection systems
are one form of ice protection
technology. Ice protection systems are
selected at the aircraft design stage
based on the characteristics of the
aircraft. The specific design features of
an aircraft, such as the availability of
electrical power, determines which type
of ice protection system will be used on
the aircraft. For example, some aircraft
use electrothermal systems, but such
systems require significant electrical
power to heat aircraft surfaces; other
aircraft may use engine bleed air
systems, but those systems require
significant hot air bled from engines to
heat aircraft surfaces. Aircraft using
pneumatic ice protection systems
generally have low availability of
electrical power and insufficient bleed
air from the aircraft engines, and also
generally require lightweight and lowcost systems. This compels
manufacturers of aircraft, such as the
Gulfstream G150, the Cessna Citation
M2, the Beechcraft King Air, and the
ATR 42, to use pneumatic ice protection
systems. Once an aircraft manufacturer
has selected a particular pneumatic ice
protection system, that system is
certified as an Original Equipment
Manufacturer (‘‘OEM’’) part of the
aircraft’s manufacturing design. Aircraft
manufacturers generally only certify one
supplier for ice protection systems for a
particular aircraft model.
13. Pneumatic ice protection systems,
and components thereof, are also sold in
the aftermarket, as their components
require repair or replacement after
extended use. Most of the revenues
related to pneumatic ice protection
systems are derived from aftermarket
sales. Aftermarket purchasers include
aircraft manufacturers, aircraft
operators, and service centers. Although
generally only one particular pneumatic
ice protection system is certified with
the aircraft model as original
equipment, pneumatic ice protection
system suppliers often procure
additional certifications that allow their
pneumatic ice protection system
components to replace their
competitors’ OEM pneumatic ice
protection components in the
aftermarket.
14. Because surface ice accumulation
may lead to a catastrophic flight event,
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pneumatic ice protection systems are
considered critical flight components.
An aircraft manufacturer or aftermarket
purchaser is therefore likely to prefer
proven suppliers of pneumatic ice
protection systems.
B. Relevant Markets
1. Product Market
15. Pneumatic ice protection systems
have numerous attributes (lightweight,
low-cost, and low-power requirements)
that make them an attractive option for
aircraft manufacturers of aircraft with
certain design requirements. Certain
aircraft models can only use pneumatic
ice protection systems. For the
customers that produce that model,
pneumatic ice protection systems are
the best option, as they cannot
effectively use other types of ice
protection systems such as an
electrothermal system, which requires a
significant amount of electrical power,
or an engine bleed air system, which
requires engines large enough to
generate significant excess heat.
16. Once an aircraft is certified,
switching the ice protection system on
a particular model of aircraft to a
different type of ice protection system,
even if technologically feasible, would
require some re-design of the ice
protection portion of the aircraft and
recertification of the aircraft, potentially
costing millions of dollars, requiring
additional flight testing, and consuming
years of time. Therefore, a small but
significant increase in the price of
pneumatic ice protection systems would
not cause customers of those ice
protection systems to substitute an
alternative type of ice protection system
for the original aircraft or in the
aftermarket in volumes sufficient to
make such a price increase unprofitable.
Accordingly, pneumatic ice protection
systems are a relevant product market
and line of commerce under Section 7
of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. § 18.
17. Although the pneumatic ice
protection system installed on each
model of aircraft may be unique, and
each system could therefore be deemed
a separate product market, in each such
market there are few competitors. The
proposed acquisition of Rockwell
Collins by UTC would affect
competition for each pneumatic ice
protection system in the same manner,
as the competitive conditions are the
same for each pneumatic ice protection
system. It is therefore appropriate to
aggregate the different systems to one
pneumatic ice protection market for
purposes of analyzing the effects of the
acquisition.
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2. Geographic Market
18. The relevant geographic market is
worldwide within the meaning of
Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C.
§ 18. Pneumatic ice protection systems
are marketed internationally and may be
sourced economically from suppliers
globally, because transportation costs
are a small proportion of the cost of the
system and thus are not a major factor
in supplier selection.
C. Anticompetitive Effects of the
Proposed Transaction
19. There are only three competitors
in the market for the development,
manufacture, and sale of pneumatic ice
protection systems. These three firms
are the only sources for both OEM
systems and aftermarket systems and
parts. Based on historical sales results,
a combined UTC-Rockwell Collins
would control a majority share of OEM
and aftermarket sales. Therefore, UTC’s
acquisition of Rockwell Collins would
significantly increase concentration in
an already highly concentrated market.
20. UTC and Rockwell Collins
compete directly on price. In some
cases, one of the companies has
replaced the other’s pneumatic ice
protection system or components
thereof on a particular aircraft in the
aftermarket. This acquisition threatens
to extinguish that competition, likely
leading to price increases and
significant harm to aircraft
manufacturers and aftermarket
customers that require pneumatic ice
protection systems.
21. Customers have benefited from the
competition between UTC and Rockwell
Collins for sales of pneumatic ice
protection systems by receiving lower
prices, more favorable contractual
terms, and shorter delivery times. The
combination of UTC and Rockwell
Collins would eliminate this
competition and its future benefits to
customers. Post-acquisition, UTC likely
would have the incentive and the ability
to increase prices profitably and offer
less favorable contractual terms.
22. The proposed acquisition,
therefore, likely would substantially
lessen competition in the development,
manufacture, and sale of pneumatic ice
protection systems for aircraft
worldwide in violation of Section 7 of
the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. § 18.
D. Difficulty of Entry
23. Sufficient, timely entry of
additional competitors into the markets
for pneumatic ice protection systems is
unlikely to prevent the harm to
competition that is likely to result if the
proposed acquisition is consummated.
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Entry of a new competitor into the
development, manufacture, and sale of
a pneumatic ice protection system is
unlikely and cannot happen in a time
period that would prevent significant
competitive harm.
24. Entry is unlikely due to the small
size of the pneumatic ice protection
system market. In addition,
competitions for aircraft suitable for
pneumatic ice protection systems are
infrequent. Accordingly, there are
limited bidding opportunities for OEM
sales and less incentive for a new
competitor to enter, which means that a
supplier would be less likely to enter
the market.
25. Pneumatic ice protection systems
generally are not built by aircraft
manufacturers, in part because
pneumatic technology tends to be
complicated and technically different
from other aircraft systems. Therefore
aircraft manufacturers are unlikely to
bring production of such systems inhouse in response to a price increase.
26. Although aftermarket replacement
opportunities for existing pneumatic ice
protection system suppliers are
available in certain cases, entry is costly
due to the associated certification costs.
Aircraft manufacturers, operators, and
servicers also hesitate to purchase
aircraft systems and parts from new
suppliers, particularly for critical flight
components like ice protection systems.
27. As a result of these barriers, entry
into the markets for pneumatic ice
protection systems would not be timely,
likely, or sufficient to defeat the
substantial lessening of competition that
is likely to result from UTC’s acquisition
of Rockwell Collins.
V. TRIMMABLE HORIZONTAL
STABILIZER ACTUATORS FOR
LARGE AIRCRAFT
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A. Background
28. Actuators are responsible for the
proper positions of an aircraft by
manipulating the ‘‘control surfaces’’ on
its wings and tail section. A trimmable
horizontal stabilizer actuator (‘‘THSA’’)
helps an aircraft maintain the proper
altitude during flight by adjusting
(‘‘trimming’’) the angle of the horizontal
stabilizer, the control surface of the
aircraft’s tail responsible for aircraft
pitch. This control surface is critical to
the safety and performance of the
aircraft, as a loss of control could cause
the aircraft to crash. The stabilizer
encounters significant aerodynamic
loads for extended periods of time, and
the THSA must be capable of handling
these loads. THSAs thus tend to be the
largest and most technically demanding
actuators on an aircraft.
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29. THSAs vary based on the size and
type of the aircraft on which they are
used. Because large aircraft encounter
significantly higher aerodynamic loads
than smaller aircraft, THSAs for large
aircraft are considerably larger, more
complex, and more expensive than
those used on smaller aircraft. Large
aircraft primarily include commercial
aircraft that seat at least six passengers
abreast (such as the Airbus A320 and
A350 and the Boeing 737 and 787) and
military transport aircraft, but exclude
regional jets, business jets, and tactical
military aircraft.
B. Relevant Markets
1. Product Market
30. THSAs for large aircraft do not
have technical substitutes. Large aircraft
manufacturers cannot switch to THSAs
for smaller aircraft, or actuators for other
aircraft control surfaces, because those
products cannot adequately control the
lift and manage the load generated by
the horizontal stabilizer of a large
aircraft. A small but significant increase
in the price of THSAs for large aircraft
would not cause aircraft manufacturers
to substitute THSAs designed for
smaller aircraft or actuators for other
control surfaces in volumes sufficient to
make such a price increase unprofitable.
Accordingly, THSAs for large aircraft
are a line of commerce and a relevant
product market within the meaning of
Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C.
§ 18.
2. Geographic Market
31. The relevant geographic market
within the meaning of Section 7 of the
Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. § 18 is
worldwide. THSAs for large aircraft are
marketed internationally and may be
sourced from suppliers globally,
because transportation costs are a small
proportion of the cost of the product
and thus are not a major factor in
supplier selection.
C. Anticompetitive Effects of the
Proposed Acquisition
32. UTC and Rockwell Collins are
each other’s closest competitors for
THSAs for large aircraft. UTC and
Rockwell Collins have won two of the
most significant recent contract awards
for THSAs for large aircraft: the Boeing
777X and the Airbus A350. Boeing and
Airbus are the world’s largest
manufacturers of passenger aircraft, and
these aircraft represent two of only three
THSA awards by these manufacturers in
this century.
33. While there are other producers of
THSAs for large aircraft, those
producers tend to concentrate on
THSAs for smaller aircraft, such as
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business jets or regional jets, or to focus
on products for other aircraft control
surfaces.
34. UTC and Rockwell Collins each
view the other firm as the most
significant competitive threat for THSAs
for large aircraft. The two companies are
among the few that have demonstrated
expertise in designing and producing
THSAs for large aircraft. Each firm
considers the other company’s offering
when planning bids.
35. Customers have benefitted from
the competition between UTC and
Rockwell Collins for THSAs for large
aircraft by receiving lower prices, more
favorable contractual terms, more
innovative products, and shorter
delivery times. The combination of UTC
and Rockwell Collins would eliminate
this competition and its future benefits
to customers. Post-acquisition, UTC
likely would have the incentive and the
ability to increase prices profitably and
offer less favorable contractual terms.
36. UTC and Rockwell Collins also
invest significantly to remain leading
suppliers of new THSAs for large
aircraft, and aircraft manufacturers
expect them to remain leading suppliers
of new products in the future. The
combination of UTC and Rockwell
Collins would likely eliminate this
competition, depriving large aircraft
customers of the benefit of future
innovation and product development.
37. The proposed acquisition,
therefore, likely would substantially
lessen competition for the development,
manufacture, and sale of THSAs
worldwide for large aircraft in violation
of Section 7 of the Clayton Act.
D. Difficulty of Entry
38. Sufficient, timely entry of
additional competitors into the market
for THSAs for large aircraft is unlikely
to prevent the harm to competition that
is likely to result if the proposed
transaction is consummated.
39. Developing a THSA for large
aircraft is technically difficult. Even
manufacturers of THSAs for smaller
aircraft face significant technical
hurdles in designing and developing
THSAs for large aircraft. As
aerodynamic loads are a major design
consideration for THSAs, and such
loads are tightly correlated with the size
of the aircraft, THSAs for large aircraft
present more demanding technical
challenges than those for smaller
aircraft.
40. Opportunities to enter are limited.
Because certification of a THSA is
expensive and time-consuming, once a
THSA is certified for a particular aircraft
type, it is rarely replaced in the
aftermarket by a different THSA.
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Accordingly, competition between
suppliers of THSAs generally only
occurs when an aircraft manufacturer is
designing a new aircraft or an upgraded
version of an existing aircraft, which are
infrequent occurrences because
development costs for such aircraft can
be tens of billions of dollars. As a result,
several years usually pass between
contract awards for THSAs for a new
aircraft design.
41. Potential entrants into the
production of THSAs for large aircraft
face several additional obstacles. First,
manufacturers of large aircraft are more
likely to purchase THSAs from those
firms already supplying THSAs for
other large aircraft. The important
connection between THSAs and aircraft
safety drives aircraft manufacturers
toward suppliers experienced with
production of THSAs of the relevant
type and size. While some companies
may have demonstrated experience in
THSAs for smaller aircraft, such
experience is not considered by
customers to be as relevant as
experience in THSAs for large aircraft.
A new entrant would face significant
costs and time to be considered a
potential alternative to the existing
suppliers.
42. Substantial time and significant
financial investment would be required
for a company to design and develop a
THSA for large aircraft. Even companies
that already make other types of THSAs
would require years of effort and an
investment of many millions of dollars
to develop a product that is competitive
with those offered by existing large
aircraft THSA suppliers.
43. As a result of these barriers, entry
into the market for THSAs for large
aircraft would not be timely, likely, or
sufficient to defeat the substantial
lessening of competition that would
likely result from UTC’s acquisition of
Rockwell Collins.
VI. VIOLATIONS ALLEGED
44. UTC’s acquisition of Rockwell
Collins likely would lessen competition
substantially in the development,
manufacture, and sale of pneumatic ice
protection systems for aircraft and
THSAs for large aircraft, in violation of
Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C.
§ 18.
45. Unless enjoined, the acquisition
likely would have the following
anticompetitive effects, among others,
relating to pneumatic ice protection
systems for aircraft:
(a) actual and potential competition
between UTC and Rockwell Collins
would be eliminated;
(b) competition likely would be
substantially lessened; and
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(c) prices likely would increase and
contractual terms likely would be
less favorable to the customers.
46. Unless enjoined, the proposed
acquisition likely would have the
following anticompetitive effects
relating to THSAs for large aircraft,
among others:
(a) actual and potential competition
between UTC and Rockwell Collins
would be eliminated;
(b) competition likely would be
substantially lessened;
(c) prices would likely increase,
contractual terms likely would be
less favorable to the customers, and
innovation likely would decrease.
52545
Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace Section,
Antitrust Division, 450 Fifth Street NW, Suite
8700, Washington, DC 20530, Telephone:
(202) 598–2436, Facsimile: (202) 514–9033,
soyoung.choe@usdoj.gov
* LEAD ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
United States District Court for the
District of Columbia
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff,
v. United Technologies Corporation and
Rockwell Collins, Inc., Defendants.
Civil Action No: 1:18-cv-02279
Judge: Rudolph Contreras
PROPOSED FINAL JUDGMENT
WHEREAS, Plaintiff, United States of
America, filed its Complaint on October
1, 2018, the United States and
VII. REQUEST FOR RELIEF
Defendants, United Technologies
Corporation (‘‘UTC’’) and Rockwell
47. The United States requests that
Collins, Inc. (‘‘Rockwell Collins’’), by
this Court:
their respective attorneys, have
(a) adjudge and decree that UTC’s
consented to the entry of this Final
acquisition of Rockwell Collins
Judgment without trial or adjudication
would be unlawful and violate
of any issue of fact or law and without
Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15
this Final Judgment constituting any
U.S.C. § 18;
evidence against or admission by any
(b) preliminarily and permanently
party regarding any issue of fact or law;
enjoin and restrain Defendants and
AND WHEREAS, Defendants agree to
all persons acting on their behalf
be bound by the provisions of this Final
from consummating the proposed
Judgment pending its approval by the
acquisition of Rockwell Collins by
Court;
UTC, or from entering into or
AND WHEREAS, the essence of this
carrying out any other contract,
Final Judgment is the prompt and
agreement, plan, or understanding,
certain divestiture of certain rights or
the effect of which would be to
assets by Defendants to assure that
combine UTC with Rockwell
competition is not substantially
Collins;
lessened;
(c) award the United States its costs
AND WHEREAS, the United States
for this action; and
(d) award the United States such other requires Defendants to make certain
divestitures for the purpose of
and further relief as the Court
remedying the loss of competition
deems just and proper.
alleged in the Complaint;
Dated: October 1, 2018
AND WHEREAS, Defendants have
Respectfully submitted,
represented to the United States that the
FOR PLAINTIFF UNITED STATES:
divestitures required below can and will
lllllllllllllllllllll
be made and that Defendants will later
MAKAN DELRAHIM (DC Bar #457795)
raise no claim of hardship or difficulty
Assistant Attorney General, Chief Antitrust
as grounds for asking the Court to
Division
modify any of the divestiture provisions
lllllllllllllllllllll
contained below;
ANDREW C. FINCH (DC Bar #494992)
NOW THEREFORE, before any
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, testimony is taken, without trial or
Antitrust Division
adjudication of any issue of fact or law,
lllllllllllllllllllll and upon consent of the parties, it is
PATRICIA A. BRINK
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND
Director of Civil Enforcement
DECREED:
lllllllllllllllllllll
MARIBETH PETRIZZI (DC Bar #435204)
Chief, Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace
Section, Antitrust Division
lllllllllllllllllllll
STEPHANIE A. FLEMING
Assistant Chief, Defense, Industrials, and
Aerospace Section, Antitrust Division
lllllllllllllllllllll
SOYOUNG CHOE *
SIDDHARTH DADHICH
KEVIN QUIN (D.C. Bar #415268)
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I. JURISDICTION
The 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, as amended (15 U.S.C.
§ 18).
II. DEFINITIONS
As used in this Final Judgment:
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A. ‘‘Acquirer’’ or ‘‘Acquirers’’ means
the entity or entities to whom
Defendants divest any of the Divestiture
Assets.
B. ‘‘Acquirer of the Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets’’ means the entity to
which Defendants divest the Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets.
C. ‘‘Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture
Assets’’ means Safran S.A. or the entity
to which Defendants divest the THSA
Divestiture Assets.
D. ‘‘UTC’’ means defendant United
Technologies Corporation, a Delaware
corporation with its headquarters in
Farmington, Connecticut, its successors
and assigns, and its subsidiaries,
divisions, groups, affiliates,
partnerships, and joint ventures, and
their directors, officers, managers,
agents, and employees.
E. ‘‘Rockwell Collins’’ means
defendant Rockwell Collins, Inc., a
Delaware corporation with its
headquarters in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, its
successors and assigns, and its
subsidiaries, divisions, groups,
affiliates, partnerships, and joint
ventures, and their directors, officers,
managers, agents, and employees.
F. ‘‘Ice Protection Business’’ means
Rockwell Collins’ SMR Technologies
division, including Rockwell’s business
in the development, manufacture, and
sale of pneumatic ice protection systems
and other ice protection products.
G. ‘‘WEMAC Product Line’’ means the
Rockwell Collins products sold under
the WEMAC name, including air gasper
valves and interior signage components.
H. ‘‘Ice Protection Divestiture Assets’’
means Rockwell Collins’ Ice Protection
Business, including:
1. The facility located at 93 NettieFenwick Road, Fenwick, West Virginia
(‘‘Fenwick Facility’’);
2. All tangible assets primarily related
to the Ice Protection Business, with the
exception of those used exclusively in
the WEMAC Product Line, including
but not limited to research and
development activities; all
manufacturing equipment, tooling and
fixed assets, personal property,
inventory, office furniture, materials,
supplies, and other tangible property;
all licenses, permits, certifications, and
authorizations issued by any
governmental organization relating to
the Ice Protection Business; all
contracts, teaming arrangements,
agreements, leases, commitments,
certifications, and understandings,
including supply agreements; all
customer lists, contracts, accounts, and
credit records; all repair and
performance records and all other
records relating to the Ice Protection
Business;
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3. All intangible assets primarily
related to the Ice Protection Business,
with the exception of those used
exclusively in the WEMAC Product
Line, including, but not limited to, all
patents; licenses and sublicenses;
intellectual property; copyrights;
trademarks; 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 Defendants provide to their
own employees, customers, suppliers,
agents, or licensees; and all research
data concerning historic and current
research and development efforts
relating to the Ice Protection Business,
including, but not limited to, designs of
experiments and the results of
successful and unsuccessful designs and
experiments.
I. ‘‘THSA Divestiture Business’’
means Rockwell Collins’ business in the
design, development, manufacture, sale,
service, or distribution of: (i) trimmable
horizontal stabilizer actuators
(‘‘THSAs’’), legacy flap actuation, and
nose wheel steering gear boxes; and (ii)
pilot control systems, including center
yokes, rudder brake pedal units, throttle
quadrant assemblies, auto-throttles, and
control stand modules.
J. ‘‘THSA Divestiture Assets’’ means,
subject to the terms of Paragraph V(D)
of this Final Judgment:
1. The facilities located at 1833 Alton
Parkway, Irvine, California (‘‘Building
518’’) and Ave. Sierra San Agustin
#2498, Col. El Porvenir C.P. 21185,
Mexicali, Mexico (‘‘Building 1’’);
2. At the option of the Acquirer of the
THSA Divestiture Assets, the facilities
located at 1733 Alton Parkway, Irvine,
California (‘‘Building 517’’), 1100 W.
Hibiscus Boulevard, Melbourne, Florida
(‘‘Building 213’’), and Ave. Sierra San
Agustin #2498, Col. El Porvenir C.P.
21185, Mexicali, Mexico (‘‘Building 2’’);
3. All tangible assets primarily related
to or necessary for the operation of the
THSA Divestiture Business, including
but not limited to research and
development activities, all
manufacturing equipment, tooling and
fixed assets, personal property,
inventory, office furniture, materials,
supplies, and other tangible property;
all licenses, permits, certifications, and
authorizations issued by any
governmental organization relating to
the THSA Divestiture Business; all
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contracts; all teaming arrangements,
agreements, leases, commitments,
certifications, and understandings,
including supply agreements; all
customer lists, contracts, accounts, and
credit records; all repair and
performance records and all other
records relating to the THSA Divestiture
Business;
4. All intangible assets primarily
related to or necessary for the operation
of the THSA Divestiture Business,
including, but not limited to, all patents;
licenses and sublicenses; intellectual
property; copyrights; trademarks; 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
Defendants provide to their own
employees, customers, suppliers, agents,
or licensees; and all research data
concerning historic and current research
and development efforts relating to the
THSA Divestiture Business, including,
but not limited to, designs of
experiments and the results of
successful and unsuccessful designs and
experiments.
K. ‘‘Divestiture Assets’’ means the Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets and the
THSA Divestiture Assets.
L. ‘‘Required Regulatory Approvals’’
means (1) clearance pursuant to any
Committee on Foreign Investment in the
United States (‘‘CFIUS’’) filing or similar
foreign investment filing, if any, made
by the Defendants and/or any Acquirer
of the Divestiture Assets; and (2) any
approvals or clearances required under
antitrust or competition laws.
III. APPLICABILITY
A. This Final Judgment applies to
UTC and Rockwell Collins, 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 Section
IV, Section V, and Section VI of this
Final Judgment, Defendants sell or
otherwise dispose of all or substantially
all of their assets or of lesser business
units that include the Divestiture
Assets, Defendants shall require the
purchaser to be bound by the provisions
of this Final Judgment. Defendants need
not obtain such an agreement from the
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pursuant to this Final Judgment.
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IV. DIVESTITURE OF THE ICE
PROTECTION DIVESTITURE ASSETS
A. Defendants are ordered and
directed, within the later of (1) five (5)
calendar days after notice of entry of
this Final Judgment by the Court or (2)
fifteen (15) calendar days after Required
Regulatory Approvals have been
received to divest the Ice Protection
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 Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets as
expeditiously as possible.
B. In accomplishing the divestiture of
the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets
ordered by this Final Judgment,
Defendants promptly shall make known,
by usual and customary means, the
availability of the Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets. Defendants shall
inform any person making an inquiry
regarding a possible purchase of the Ice
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, subject to
customary confidentiality assurances,
all information and documents relating
to the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets
customarily provided in a due diligence
process, except information or
documents subject to the attorney-client
privilege or work-product doctrine.
Defendants shall make available such
information to the United States at the
same time that such information is
made available to any other person.
C. Defendants shall provide the
Acquirer of the Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets and the United States
information relating to the personnel
involved in the design, development,
production, distribution, sale, or service
of products by or under any of the Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets to enable
the Acquirer of the Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets to make offers of
employment. Defendants will not
interfere with any negotiations by the
Acquirer of the Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets to employ any
Defendant employee whose primary
responsibility is the design,
development, production, distribution,
sale, or service of products by or under
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any of the Ice Protection Divestiture
Assets.
D. Defendants shall permit
prospective Acquirers of the Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets to have
reasonable access to personnel and to
make inspections of the physical
facilities to be divested; 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 Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets that each asset will be
operational on the date of sale.
F. Defendants shall not take any
action that will impede in any way the
permitting, operation, or divestiture of
the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets.
G. Defendants shall warrant to the
Acquirer of the Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets (1) that there are no
material defects in the environmental,
zoning, or other permits pertaining to
the operation of the Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets, and (2) that
following the sale of the Ice 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 Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets.
H. At the option of the Acquirer of the
Ice Protection Divestiture Assets,
Defendants shall enter into a transition
services agreement with the Acquirer of
the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets to
provide back office and information
technology services and support for the
Ice Protection Divestiture Assets for a
period of up to twelve (12) months. The
United States, in its sole discretion, may
approve one or more extensions of this
agreement for a total of up to an
additional twelve (12) months. If the
Acquirer of the Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets seeks an extension of
the term of this transition services
agreement, it shall so notify the United
States in writing at least three (3)
months prior to the date the transition
services contract expires. If the United
States approves such an extension, it
shall so notify the Acquirer of the Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets in writing
at least two (2) months prior to the date
the transition services contract expires.
The terms and conditions of any
contractual arrangement intended to
satisfy this provision must be
reasonably related to the market value of
the expertise of the personnel providing
any needed assistance. The UTC
employee(s) tasked with providing these
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transition services may not share any
competitively sensitive information of
the Acquirer of the Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets with any other UTC
employee.
I. Defendants shall remove from the
Fenwick Facility the assets used
exclusively with the WEMAC Product
Line within nine (9) months of the
divestiture of the Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets. The United States, in
its sole discretion, may agree to one or
more extensions of this time period not
to exceed three (3) months in total.
J. 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 Ice Protection Divestiture
Assets, and shall be accomplished in
such a way as to satisfy the United
States, in its sole discretion, that the Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets can and
will be used by the Acquirer of the Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets as part of
a viable, ongoing business of the
development, manufacture, sale,
service, or distribution of pneumatic ice
protection systems. The divestiture,
whether pursuant to Section IV or
Section V of this Final Judgment,
(1) shall be made to an Acquirer of the
Ice Protection Divestiture Assets
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 the development,
manufacture, and sale of pneumatic
ice protection systems; 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 an Acquirer
of the Ice Protection Divestiture
Assets 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. DIVESTITURE OF THE THSA
DIVESTITURE ASSETS
A. Defendants are ordered and
directed, within the later of (1) five (5)
calendar days after notice of entry of
this Final Judgment or (2) fifteen (15)
calendar days after Required Regulatory
Approvals have been received, to divest
the THSA Divestiture Assets in a
manner consistent with this Final
Judgment to an Acquirer acceptable to
the United States, in its sole discretion.
At the option of the Acquirer of the
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THSA Divestiture Assets, and subject to
the review and approval by the United
States, Building 518 may be transferred
via a sublease in lieu of a divestiture.
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 Divestiture Assets as
expeditiously as possible.
B. In the event Defendants are
attempting to divest the THSA
Divestiture Assets to an Acquirer other
than Safran S.A., Defendants promptly
shall make known, by usual and
customary means, the availability of the
THSA Divestiture Assets. Defendants
shall inform any person making an
inquiry regarding a possible purchase of
the THSA 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, subject to
customary confidentiality assurances,
all information and documents relating
to the THSA Divestiture Assets
customarily provided in a due diligence
process except information or
documents subject to the attorney-client
privilege or work-product doctrine.
Defendants shall make available such
information to the United States at the
same time that such information is
made available to any other person.
C. Defendants shall provide the
Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets
and the United States information
relating to the personnel involved in the
design, development, production,
distribution, sale, or service of products
by or under any of the THSA Divestiture
Assets to enable the Acquirer of the
THSA Divestiture Assets to make offers
of employment. Defendants will not
interfere with any negotiations by the
Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets
to employ any Defendant employee
whose primary responsibility is the
design, development, production,
distribution, sale, or service of products
by or under any of the THSA Divestiture
Assets.
D. Defendants shall use reasonable
best efforts to obtain any approvals
required from United States government
customers for the transfer of proprietary
contracts to the Acquirer of the THSA
Divestiture Assets. If such approvals
cannot be obtained, notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Final
Judgment, Defendants may:
1. Retain the proprietary contracts and
those portions thereof that cannot be
subcontracted to the Acquirer of the
THSA Divestiture Assets; and
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2 Retain those tangible and intangible
assets that have been used exclusively
in the performance of the proprietary
contracts.
E. Defendants shall permit
prospective Acquirers of the THSA
Divestiture Assets to have reasonable
access to personnel and to make
inspections of the physical facilities to
be divested; 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.
F. Defendants shall warrant to the
Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets
that each asset will be operational on
the date of sale.
G. Defendants shall not take any
action that will impede in any way the
permitting, operation, or divestiture of
the THSA Divestiture Assets.
H. Defendants shall warrant to the
Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets
(1) that there are no material defects in
the environmental, zoning, or other
permits pertaining to the operation of
the THSA Divestiture Assets, and (2)
that following the sale of the THSA
Divestiture Assets, Defendants will not
undertake, directly or indirectly, any
challenges to the environmental, zoning,
or other permits relating to the
operation of the THSA Divestiture
Assets.
I. At the option of the Acquirer of the
THSA Divestiture Assets, Defendants
shall enter into a transition services
agreement with the Acquirer of the
THSA Divestiture Assets to provide
services related to facility management
and upkeep, facility and asset transition,
government compliance, accounting and
finance, information technology and
human resources for the THSA
Divestiture Assets for a period of up to
twelve (12) months. The United States,
in its sole discretion, may approve one
or more extensions of this agreement for
a total of up to an additional twelve (12)
months. If the Acquirer of the THSA
Divestiture Assets seeks an extension of
the term of this transition services
agreement, it shall so notify the United
States in writing at least three (3)
months prior to the date the transition
services contract expires. If the United
States approves such an extension, it
shall so notify the Acquirer of the THSA
Divestiture Assets in writing at least two
(2) months prior to the date the
transition services contract expires. The
terms and conditions of any contractual
arrangement intended to satisfy this
provision must be reasonably related to
the market value of the expertise of the
personnel providing any needed
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assistance. The UTC employee(s) tasked
with providing these transition services
may not share any competitively
sensitive information of the Acquirer of
the THSA Divestiture Assets with any
other UTC employee.
J. During the term of the transition
services agreement in Paragraph V(I),
Defendants shall use their best efforts to
assist the Acquirer of the THSA
Divestiture Assets with the transition of
the THSA Divestiture Assets to
locations chosen by the Acquirer of the
THSA Divestiture Assets and the
Defendants shall not impede this
transition of the THSA Divestiture
Assets.
K. At the option of the Acquirer of the
THSA Divestiture Assets, Defendants
shall enter into a supply agreement to
provide services related to the
manufacture of THSAs in Building 213
and Rockwell Collins’ Iowa C Ave
Complex facility located at 400 Collins
Road NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa sufficient
to meet all or part of the needs of the
Acquirer of the THSA Assets for a
period of up to twelve months. The
United States, in its sole discretion, may
approve one or more extensions of this
agreement for a total of up to an
additional twelve (12) months. If the
Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets
seeks an extension of the term of this
agreement, it shall so notify the United
States in writing at least three (3)
months prior to the date the contract
expires. If the United States approves
such an extension, it shall so notify the
Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets
in writing at least two (2) months prior
to the date the agreement expires. The
terms and conditions of any contractual
arrangement meant to satisfy this
provision must be reasonably related to
market conditions for such services.
L. Unless the United States otherwise
consents in writing, the divestiture
pursuant to Section V, or by Divestiture
Trustee appointed pursuant to Section
VI, of this Final Judgment, shall include
the entire THSA Divestiture Assets, and
shall be accomplished in such a way as
to satisfy the United States, in its sole
discretion, that the THSA Divestiture
Assets can and will be used by the
Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets
as part of a viable, ongoing business of
the development, manufacture, and sale
of THSAs. The divestiture, whether
pursuant to Section V or Section VI of
this Final Judgment,
(1) shall be made to an Acquirer of the
THSA Divestiture Assets that, in the
United States’ sole judgment, has
the intent and capability (including
the necessary managerial,
operational, technical, and financial
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capability) of competing effectively
in the business of the development,
manufacture, and sale of THSAs;
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 an Acquirer
of the THSA Divestiture Assets 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
A. If Defendants have not divested all
of the Divestiture Assets within the time
periods specified in Paragraphs IV(A)
and V(A), Defendants shall notify the
United States of that fact in writing.
Upon application of the United States,
the Court shall appoint a Divestiture
Trustee selected by the United States
and approved by the Court to effect the
divestiture(s) of any of the Divestiture
Assets that have not been sold during
the time periods specified in Paragraphs
IV(A) and V(A).
B. After the appointment of a
Divestiture Trustee becomes effective,
only the Divestiture Trustee shall have
the right to sell those Divestiture Assets
that the Divestiture Trustee has been
appointed to sell. The Divestiture
Trustee shall have the power and
authority to accomplish the
divestiture(s) to an Acquirer(s)
acceptable to the United States, in its
sole discretion at such price and on
such terms as are then obtainable upon
reasonable effort by the Divestiture
Trustee, subject to the provisions of
Sections IV, V, VI, and VII of this Final
Judgment, and shall have such other
powers as the Court deems appropriate.
Subject to Paragraph VI(D) of this Final
Judgment, the Divestiture Trustee may
hire at the cost and expense of
Defendants any agents, investment
bankers, attorneys, accountants, or
consultants, who shall be solely
accountable to the Divestiture Trustee,
reasonably necessary in the Divestiture
Trustee’s judgment to assist in the
divestiture(s). Any such agents or
consultants 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 on any
ground other than the Divestiture
Trustee’s malfeasance. Any such
objections by Defendants must be
conveyed in writing to the United States
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and the Divestiture Trustee within ten
(10) calendar days after the Divestiture
Trustee has provided the notice
required under Section VII.
D. The Divestiture Trustee 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 shall account for all
monies derived from the sale of the
assets sold by the Divestiture Trustee
and all costs and expenses so incurred.
After approval by the Court of the
Divestiture Trustee’s accounting,
including fees for any of its services yet
unpaid and those of any professionals
and agents retained by the Divestiture
Trustee, all remaining money shall be
paid to Defendants and the trust shall
then be terminated. The compensation
of the Divestiture Trustee and any
professionals and agents retained by the
Divestiture Trustee shall be reasonable
in light of the value of the Divestiture
Assets that are being sold by the
Divestiture Trustee and based on a fee
arrangement that provides the
Divestiture Trustee with incentives
based on the price and terms of the
divestiture and the speed with which it
is accomplished, but the timeliness of
the divestiture(s) is paramount. If the
Divestiture Trustee 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
the appointment of the Divestiture
Trustee, the United States may, in its
sole discretion, take appropriate action,
including making a recommendation to
the Court. The Divestiture Trustee shall,
within three (3) business days of hiring
any other agents or consultants, 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
in accomplishing the required
divestiture(s). The Divestiture Trustee
and any agents or consultants retained
by the Divestiture Trustee shall have
full and complete access to the
personnel, books, records, and facilities
of the business to be divested, and
Defendants shall provide or develop
financial and other information relevant
to such business as the Divestiture
Trustee may reasonably request, subject
to reasonable protection for trade secrets
or other confidential research,
development, or commercial
information or any applicable
privileges. Defendants shall take no
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52549
action to interfere with or to impede the
Divestiture Trustee’s accomplishment of
the divestiture(s).
F. After its appointment, the
Divestiture Trustee shall file monthly
reports with the United States and, as
appropriate, the Court setting forth the
Divestiture Trustee’s efforts to
accomplish the divestiture(s) ordered
under this Final Judgment. To the extent
such reports contain information that
the Divestiture Trustee deems
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
Assets, and shall describe in detail each
contact with any such person. The
Divestiture Trustee shall maintain full
records of all efforts made to divest any
of the Divestiture Assets.
G. If the Divestiture Trustee has not
accomplished the divestitures ordered
under this Final Judgment within six
months after its appointment, the
Divestiture Trustee shall promptly file
with the Court a report setting forth (1)
the Divestiture Trustee’s efforts to
accomplish the required divestiture, (2)
the reasons, in the Divestiture Trustee’s
judgment, why the required divestiture
has not been accomplished, and (3) the
Divestiture Trustee’s recommendations.
To the extent such report contain
information that the Divestiture Trustee
deems confidential, such report shall
not be filed in the public docket of the
Court. The Divestiture Trustee shall at
the same time furnish such report to the
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 has ceased to act
or failed to act diligently or in a
reasonably cost-effective manner, the
United States may recommend the Court
appoint a substitute Divestiture Trustee.
VII. NOTICE OF PROPOSED
DIVESTITURE
A. Within two (2) business days
following execution of a definitive
divestiture agreement, Defendants or the
Divestiture Trustee, whichever is then
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responsible for effecting the divestitures
required herein, shall notify the United
States of any proposed divestiture
required by Sections IV, V or VI of this
Final Judgment. If the Divestiture
Trustee is responsible, it shall similarly
notify Defendants. The notice shall set
forth the details of the proposed
divestiture(s) 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 Assets, together with full
details of the same.
B. Within fifteen (15) calendar days of
receipt by the United States of such
notice, the United States may request
from Defendants, the proposed
Acquirer(s), any other third party, or the
Divestiture Trustee, if applicable,
additional information concerning the
proposed divestiture, the proposed
Acquirer(s), and any other potential
Acquirer. Defendants and the
Divestiture Trustee shall furnish any
additional information requested 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(s),
any third party, and the Divestiture
Trustee, whichever is later, the United
States shall provide written notice to
Defendants and the Divestiture Trustee,
if there is one, stating whether or not it
objects to the proposed divestiture. If
the United States provides written
notice that it does not object, the
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(s) or upon objection by the
United States, a divestiture proposed
under Sections 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, Section V, or Section VI
of this Final Judgment.
IX. HOLD SEPARATE
Until the divestitures required by this
Final Judgment have been
accomplished, Defendants shall take all
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steps necessary to comply with the Hold
Separate Stipulation and Order entered
by the Court. Defendants shall take no
action that would jeopardize the
divestitures ordered by the 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 Sections IV,
V, or VI, Defendants shall deliver to the
United States an affidavit, signed by
UTC’s Executive Vice President,
Operations & Strategy and General
Counsel, and Rockwell Collins’ Chief
Financial Officer and General Counsel,
which shall describe the fact and
manner of Defendants’ compliance with
Sections IV, V 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 divestiture has been
completed.
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XI. COMPLIANCE INSPECTION
A. For the purposes of determining or
securing compliance with this Final
Judgment, or of any related orders such
as any Hold Separate Stipulation and
Order, or of determining whether the
Final Judgment should be modified or
vacated, and subject to any legallyrecognized privilege, from time to time
authorized representatives of the United
States, including agents and consultants
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
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
Section XI shall be divulged by the
United States to any person other than
an authorized representative of the
executive branch of the United States,
except in the course of legal proceedings
to which the United States is a party
(including grand jury proceedings), for
the purpose of securing compliance
with this Final Judgment, or as
otherwise required by law.
D. If at the time that Defendants
furnish information or documents 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
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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).
XII. NOTIFICATION
A. Unless such transaction is
otherwise subject to the reporting and
waiting period requirements of the HartScott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements
Act of 1976, as amended, 15 U.S.C.
§ 18a (the ‘‘HSR Act’’), Defendants,
without providing advance notification
to the United States, shall not directly
or indirectly acquire any assets of or any
interest in, including any financial,
security, loan, equity, or management
interest, any business in the global
pneumatic ice protection market valued
over $25 million during the term of this
Final Judgment.
B. Such notification shall be provided
to the United States in the same format
as, and per the instructions relating to,
the Notification and Report Form set
forth in the Appendix to Part 803 of
Title 16 of the Code of Federal
Regulations as amended, except that the
information requested in Items 5
through 8 of the instructions must be
provided only about pneumatic ice
protection systems. Notification shall be
provided at least thirty (30) calendar
days prior to acquiring any such
interest, and shall include, beyond what
may be required by the applicable
instructions, the names of the principal
representatives of the parties to the
agreement who negotiated the
agreement, and any management or
strategic plans discussing the proposed
transaction. If within the 30-day period
after notification, representatives of the
United States make a written request for
additional information, Defendants shall
not consummate the proposed
transaction or agreement until thirty
(30) calendar days after submitting all
such additional information. Early
termination of the waiting periods in
this Paragraph may be requested and,
where appropriate, granted in the same
manner as is applicable under the
requirements and provisions of the HSR
Act and rules promulgated thereunder.
Section XII shall be broadly construed
and any ambiguity or uncertainty
regarding the filing of notice under
Section XII shall be resolved in favor of
filing notice.
XIII. NO REACQUISITION
Defendants may not reacquire any
part of the Divestiture Assets during the
term of this Final Judgment. The
Acquirer of the Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets may not acquire from
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Defendants during the term of this Final
Judgment any assets or businesses that
compete with the Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets. The Acquirer of the
THSA Divestiture Assets may not
acquire from Defendants during the
term of this Final Judgment any assets
or businesses that compete with the
THSA Divestiture Assets.
XIV. RETENTION OF JURISDICTION
The Court retains jurisdiction to
enable any party to this Final Judgment
to apply to the 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. ENFORCEMENT OF FINAL
JUDGMENT
A. The United States retains and
reserves all rights to enforce the
provisions of this Final Judgment,
including the right to seek an order of
contempt from the Court. Defendants
agree that in any civil contempt action,
any motion to show cause, or any
similar action brought by the United
States regarding an alleged violation of
this Final Judgment, the United States
may establish a violation of the decree
and the appropriateness of any remedy
therefor by a preponderance of the
evidence, and Defendants waive any
argument that a different standard of
proof should apply.
B. The Final Judgment should be
interpreted to give full effect to the
procompetitive purposes of the antitrust
laws and to restore all competition
harmed by the challenged conduct.
Defendants agree that they may be held
in contempt of, and that the Court may
enforce, any provision of this Final
Judgment that, as interpreted by the
Court in light of these procompetitive
principles and applying ordinary tools
of interpretation, is stated specifically
and in reasonable detail, whether or not
it is clear and unambiguous on its face.
In any such interpretation, the terms of
this Final Judgment should not be
construed against either party as the
drafter.
C. In any enforcement proceeding in
which the Court finds that Defendants
have violated this Final Judgment, the
United States may apply to the Court for
a one-time extension of this Final
Judgment, together with such other
relief as may be appropriate. In
connection with any successful effort by
the United States to enforce this Final
Judgment against a Defendant, whether
litigated or resolved prior to litigation,
that Defendant agrees to reimburse the
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United States for the fees and expenses
of its attorneys, as well as any other
costs including experts’ fees, incurred in
connection with that enforcement effort,
including in the investigation of the
potential violation.
XVI. EXPIRATION OF FINAL
JUDGMENT
Unless the Court grants an extension,
this Final Judgment shall expire ten (10)
years from the date of its entry, except
that after five (5) years from the date of
its entry, this Final Judgment may be
terminated upon notice by the United
States to the Court and Defendants that
the divestitures have been completed
and that the continuation of the Final
Judgment no longer is necessary or in
the public interest.
XVII. 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, 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 responses to comments
filed with the Court, entry of this Final
Judgment is in the public interest.
Date: llllllllllllllllll
Court approval subject to procedures of
Antitrust Procedures and Penalties Act, 15
U.S.C. § 16:
Date: llllllllllllllllll
United States District Judge
United States District Court For The
District of Columbia
United States of America, Plaintiff, v.
United Technologies Corporation, and
Rockwell Collins, Inc., Defendants.
Case No.: 1:18–cv–02279–RC
JUDGE: Rudolph Contreras
Deck Type: Antitrust
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
On September 4, 2017, Defendants
United Technologies Corporation
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(‘‘UTC’’) and Rockwell Collins, Inc.
(‘‘Rockwell Collins’’) entered into an
agreement whereby UTC proposes to
acquire Rockwell Collins for
approximately $30 billion. The United
States filed a civil antitrust Complaint
against UTC and Rockwell Collins on
October 1, 2018, seeking to enjoin the
proposed acquisition. The Complaint
alleges that the proposed acquisition
likely would substantially lessen
competition in violation of Section 7 of
the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. § 18, in the
worldwide markets for the
development, manufacture, and sale of
pneumatic ice protection systems for
fixed-wing aircraft (‘‘aircraft’’) and
trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators
(‘‘THSAs’’) for large aircraft. That loss of
competition likely would result in
increased prices, less favorable
contractual terms, and decreased
innovation in the markets for these
products.
Concurrent with the filing of the
Complaint, the United States filed a
Hold Separate Stipulation and Order
(‘‘Hold Separate’’) and proposed Final
Judgment, which are designed to
eliminate the anticompetitive effects
that would have resulted from UTC’s
acquisition of Rockwell Collins. Under
the proposed Final Judgment, which is
explained more fully below, Defendants
are required to divest assets relating to
Rockwell Collins’ pneumatic ice
protection systems business and its
THSA business. Under the Hold
Separate, Defendants will take certain
steps to ensure that the businesses will
operate as competitively independent,
economically viable and ongoing
business concerns, that will remain
independent and uninfluenced by the
consummation of the acquisition, and
that competition is maintained during
the pendency of the ordered divestiture.
The United States 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 Final Judgment and to
punish violations thereof.
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II. DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENTS
GIVING RISE TO THE ALLEGED
VIOLATIONS
A. The Defendants
UTC is incorporated in Delaware and
has its headquarters in Farmington,
Connecticut. UTC produces a wide
range of products for the aerospace
industry and other industries,
including, among other products,
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pneumatic ice protection systems for
aircraft and THSAs for large aircraft. In
2017, UTC had sales of approximately
$59.8 billion.
Rockwell Collins is incorporated in
Delaware and is headquartered in Cedar
Rapids, Iowa. Rockwell Collins is a
major provider of aerospace and defense
electronics systems. Rockwell Collins
produces, among other products,
pneumatic ice protection systems for
aircraft and THSAs for large aircraft. In
fiscal year 2017, Rockwell Collins had
sales of approximately $6.8 billion.
B. Pneumatic Ice Protection Systems for
Aircraft
1. Background
During flight, ice can accumulate on
an aircraft’s leading edge surfaces, such
as the part of the aircraft’s wings that
first contact the air during flight.
Surface ice accumulation affects an
aircraft’s maneuverability, increases
drag, and decreases lift. If it remains
untreated, surface ice accumulation can
lead to a catastrophic flight event.
A pneumatic ice protection system is
engineered to remove accumulated ice
on an aircraft’s wings. Such a system
consists of two main elements, a deicing boot, which is inflated to crack ice
off an aircraft leading edge, and
pneumatic system hardware. The
pneumatic system hardware consists of
equipment designed to control the flow
of air into the de-icing boot.
Pneumatic ice protection systems are
one form of ice protection technology.
The specific design features of an
aircraft, such as the availability of
electrical power, determine which type
of ice protection system will be used on
the aircraft. Once an aircraft
manufacturer has selected a particular
pneumatic ice protection system, that
system is certified as an Original
Equipment Manufacturer (‘‘OEM’’) part
for flight worthiness as a part of the
aircraft’s manufacturing design. Aircraft
manufacturers generally only certify one
supplier for ice protection systems for a
particular aircraft model.
Pneumatic ice protection systems, and
components thereof, are also sold in the
aftermarket, as their components require
repair or replacement after significant
use. Most of the revenues related to
pneumatic ice protection systems are
derived from aftermarket sales.
Although generally only one particular
pneumatic ice protection system is
certified with the aircraft model as
original equipment, pneumatic ice
protection system suppliers often
procure additional certifications that
allow their pneumatic ice protection
system components to replace their
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competitors’ OEM pneumatic ice
protection system in the aftermarket.
Because surface ice accumulation may
lead to a catastrophic flight event,
pneumatic ice protection systems are
considered critical flight components.
An aircraft manufacturer or aftermarket
purchaser is therefore likely to prefer
proven suppliers of pneumatic ice
protection systems.
2. Relevant Markets
Pneumatic ice protection systems for
aircraft are a relevant product market
and line of commerce under Section 7
of the Clayton Act. Ice protection
systems are selected at the aircraft
design stage based on the characteristics
of the aircraft. Pneumatic ice protection
systems have numerous attributes (light
weight, low cost, and low power
requirements) that make them an
attractive option for aircraft
manufacturers of aircraft with certain
design requirements. Certain aircraft
models can use only pneumatic ice
protection systems. For these customers
that produce those models, pneumatic
ice protection systems are the best
option, as such customers cannot
effectively use other types of ice
protection systems such as an
electrothermal or bleed air ice
protection system.
Once an aircraft is certified, switching
the ice protection system on a particular
model of aircraft to a different type of
ice protection system, even if
technologically feasible, would require
some re-design of the ice protection
portion of the aircraft and recertification
of the aircraft. Such re-design and
recertification may cost millions of
dollars, require additional flight testing,
and consume multiple years of time.
Therefore, a small but significant
increase in the price of pneumatic ice
protection systems would not cause
customers of those ice protection
systems to substitute an alternative type
of ice protection system for the original
aircraft or in the aftermarket in volumes
sufficient to make such a price increase
unprofitable.
Although the pneumatic ice
protection system installed on each type
of aircraft may be deemed a separate
product market, in each such market
there are few competitors. The proposed
acquisition of Rockwell Collins by UTC
would affect competition for each
aircraft pneumatic ice protection system
in the same manner. It is therefore
appropriate to aggregate pneumatic ice
protection markets for purposes of
analyzing the effects of the acquisition.
The relevant geographic market for
pneumatic ice protection systems for
aircraft is worldwide. Pneumatic ice
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protection systems are marketed
internationally and may be sourced
economically from suppliers globally.
Transportation costs are a small
proportion of the cost of the finished
product and thus are not a major factor
in supplier selection.
3. Anticompetitive Effects
There are only three competitors in
the market for the development,
manufacture, and sale of pneumatic ice
protection systems for aircraft. These
three firms are the only sources for both
OEM systems and aftermarket systems
and parts. Based on historical sales
results, a combined UTC-Rockwell
Collins would control a majority share
of OEM and aftermarket sales.
Therefore, UTC’s acquisition of
Rockwell Collins would significantly
increase concentration in an already
highly concentrated market.
UTC and Rockwell Collins compete
directly on price. In some cases, one of
the companies has replaced the other’s
pneumatic ice protection system or
components thereof on a particular
aircraft.
Customers have benefited from the
competition between UTC and Rockwell
Collins for sales of pneumatic ice
protection systems by receiving lower
prices, more favorable contractual
terms, and shorter delivery times. The
combination of UTC and Rockwell
Collins would eliminate this
competition and its future benefits to
customers. Therefore, post-acquisition,
UTC likely would have the incentive
and the ability to increase prices
profitably and offer less favorable
contractual terms, resulting in
significant harm to aircraft
manufacturers and aftermarket
customers that require pneumatic ice
protection systems.
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4. Difficulty of Entry
Sufficient, timely entry of additional
competitors into the markets for
pneumatic ice protection systems is
unlikely to prevent the harm to
competition that is likely to result if the
proposed acquisition is consummated.
The small size of the market makes it
difficult for new entrants to recover the
cost of entry, which is high in part due
to the costs of obtaining certification for
new equipment. In addition,
opportunities to enter are rare, as new
aircraft designs are themselves quite
infrequent. Moreover, aircraft
manufacturers, operators, and servicers
are hesitant to purchase aircraft
components from newer suppliers,
particularly for critical flight
components like ice protection systems.
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Pneumatic ice protection systems
generally are not built by aircraft
manufacturers, in part because
pneumatic technology tends to be
complicated and technically different
from other aircraft systems. As a result,
aircraft manufacturers are unlikely to
move production of such systems inhouse in response to a price increase.
C. Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer
Actuators for Large Aircraft
1. Background
Actuators are responsible for the
proper in-flight positions of an aircraft
by manipulating the ‘‘control surfaces’’
on its wings and tail section. A
trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator
(‘‘THSA’’) helps an aircraft maintain the
proper altitude during flight by
adjusting (‘‘trimming’’) the angle of the
horizontal stabilizer, the control surface
of the aircraft’s tail responsible for
aircraft pitch.
THSAs vary based on the size and
type of the aircraft on which they are
used. Because large aircraft encounter
significantly higher aerodynamic loads
than smaller aircraft, THSAs for large
aircraft are considerably larger, more
complex, and more expensive than
those used on smaller aircraft. Large
aircraft primarily include commercial
aircraft that seat at least six passengers
abreast, such as the Airbus A320 and
A350 and the Boeing 737 and 787, and
military transport aircraft.
2. Relevant Markets
THSAs for large aircraft do not have
technical substitutes. Large aircraft
manufacturers cannot switch to THSAs
for smaller aircraft, or actuators for other
aircraft control surfaces, because those
products cannot adequately control the
lift and manage the load encountered by
the horizontal stabilizer of a large
aircraft. A small but significant increase
in the price of THSAs for large aircraft
would not cause aircraft manufacturers
to substitute THSAs designed for
smaller aircraft or actuators for other
control surfaces in volumes sufficient to
make such a price increase unprofitable.
Accordingly, THSAs for large aircraft
are a relevant product market and line
of commerce under Section 7 of the
Clayton Act.
The relevant geographic market for
THSAs for large aircraft is worldwide.
THSAs for large aircraft are marketed
internationally and may be sourced
economically from suppliers globally.
Transportation costs are a small
proportion of the cost of the finished
product and thus are not a major factor
in supplier selection.
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3. Anticompetitive Effects
UTC and Rockwell Collins are each
other’s closest competitors for THSAs
for large aircraft. UTC and Rockwell
Collins have won two of the most
significant recent contract awards for
THSAs for large aircraft: the Boeing
777X and the Airbus A350. Boeing and
Airbus are the world’s largest
manufacturers of passenger aircraft, and
these aircraft represent two of the only
three THSA awards by these
manufacturers in this century. While
there are other producers of THSAs for
large aircraft, those firms tend to
concentrate most of their THSA
business on smaller aircraft, such as
business jets or regional jets, or focus on
products for other aircraft control
surfaces.
UTC and Rockwell Collins each view
the other firm as the most significant
competitive threat for THSAs for large
aircraft. The two companies are among
the few that have demonstrated
experience in designing and producing
THSAs for large aircraft. Each firm
considers the other company’s offering
when planning bids.
Customers have benefitted from the
competition between UTC and Rockwell
Collins for sales of THSAs for large
aircraft by receiving lower prices, more
favorable contractual terms, more
innovative products, and shorter
delivery times. The combination of UTC
and Rockwell Collins would eliminate
this competition and its future benefits
to customers. Post-acquisition, UTC
likely would have the incentive and the
ability to increase prices profitably and
offer less favorable contractual terms.
UTC and Rockwell Collins also invest
significantly to remain leading suppliers
of new THSAs for large aircraft, and
customers expect them to remain
leading suppliers of new products in the
future. The combination of UTC and
Rockwell Collins would likely eliminate
this competition, depriving large aircraft
customers of the benefit of future
innovation and product development.
4. Difficulty of Entry
Sufficient, timely entry of additional
competitors into the market for THSAs
for large aircraft is unlikely to prevent
the harm to competition that is likely to
result if the proposed transaction is
consummated. Opportunities to enter
are limited. Because certification of a
THSA is expensive and timeconsuming, once a THSA is certified for
a particular aircraft type it is rarely
replaced in the aftermarket by a
different THSA. Accordingly,
competition between suppliers of
THSAs generally occurs only when an
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aircraft manufacturer is designing a new
aircraft or an upgraded version of an
existing aircraft. New designs for large
aircraft are infrequent, as development
costs for such aircraft can amount to
tens of billions of dollars. As a result,
several years usually pass between
contract awards for THSAs for a new
aircraft design.
Potential entrants face several
additional obstacles. First,
manufacturers of large aircraft are more
likely to purchase THSAs from those
firms already supplying THSAs for
other large aircraft. The important
connection between THSAs and aircraft
safety drives aircraft manufacturers
toward suppliers experienced with
production of THSAs of the relevant
type and size. While some companies
may have demonstrated experience in
THSAs for smaller aircraft or in other
actuators, such experience is not
considered by customers to be as
relevant as experience in THSAs for
large aircraft. A new entrant would face
significant costs and time to be
considered as a potential alternative to
the existing suppliers.
Developing a THSA for large aircraft
is technically difficult. Manufacturers of
THSAs for smaller aircraft face
significant technical hurdles in
designing and developing THSAs for
large aircraft. As aerodynamic loads are
a major design consideration for THSAs,
and such loads are tightly correlated
with the size of the aircraft, THSAs for
large aircraft present more demanding
technical challenges than those for
smaller aircraft.
Substantial time and significant
financial investment would be required
for a company to design and develop a
THSA for large aircraft. Companies that
already make other types of THSAs
would require years of effort and an
investment of many millions of dollars
to develop a product that is competitive
with those offered by existing large
aircraft THSA suppliers.
As a result of these barriers, entry into
the market for THSAs for large aircraft
would not be timely, likely, or sufficient
to defeat the substantial lessening of
competition that likely would result
from UTC’s acquisition of Rockwell
Collins.
III. EXPLANATION OF THE
PROPOSED FINAL JUDGMENT
The divestitures required by the
proposed Final Judgment will eliminate
the anticompetitive effects that likely
would result from UTC’s acquisition of
Rockwell Collins. The assets must be
divested in such a way as to satisfy the
United States in its sole discretion that
the assets can and will be operated by
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the purchaser as a viable, ongoing
business that can compete effectively in
the relevant market. Defendants must
take all reasonable steps necessary to
accomplish the divestitures quickly and
shall cooperate with prospective
purchasers.
A. Divestitures
1. Pneumatic Ice Protection Systems for
Aircraft
a. The Divestiture
The proposed Final Judgment requires
Defendants to divest Rockwell Collins’
SMR Technologies division, including
Rockwell Collins’ business in the
development, manufacture, and sale of
pneumatic ice protection systems and
other ice protection products (the ‘‘Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets’’) to an
Acquirer acceptable to the United
States, in its sole discretion.1 The assets
to be divested include Rockwell Collins’
facility located in Fenwick, West
Virginia, and all tangible and intangible
assets primarily related to the ice
protection business. The divestiture of
the ice protection business will provide
the Acquirer with all the assets it needs
to successfully develop, manufacture,
and sell pneumatic ice protection
systems for aircraft.
Paragraph IV(A) of the proposed Final
Judgment requires Defendants to divest
the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets as
a viable ongoing business within the
later of five (5) calendar days after
notice of entry of this Final Judgment by
the Court or fifteen (15) calendar days
after Required Regulatory Approvals
have been received.
b. Transition Services Agreement
To facilitate the Acquirer’s immediate
use of the Ice Protection Divestiture
Assets, the proposed Final Judgment
provides the Acquirer with the option to
enter into a transition services
agreement with Defendants to obtain
back office and information technology
services and support for the Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets for a
period of up to twelve (12) months. The
United States, in its sole discretion, may
approve one or more extensions of this
agreement for a total of up to an
additional twelve (12) months.
2. THSAs for Large Aircraft
a. The Divestiture
The proposed Final Judgment requires
Defendants to divest Rockwell Collins’
business in the design, development,
1 In
addition to pneumatic ice protection systems,
the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets include other
ice protection products, fueling systems and other
industrial products, hovercraft skirts, composites,
and commercial aviation products.
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manufacture, sale, service, or
distribution of THSAs (the ‘‘THSA
Divestiture Assets’’) to an Acquirer
acceptable to the United States, in its
sole discretion.2 Because the assets are
distributed among multiple sites in two
countries, the United States required an
upfront buyer to provide additional
certainty that the transition can be
accomplished without disruption to the
business. The United States has
approved Safran S.A. as the Acquirer.
Safran S.A. is an established aerospace
industry supplier.
The assets to be divested include two
Rockwell Collins’ facilities (Building
518 in Irvine, California and Building 1
in Mexicali, Mexico), and, at the option
of the Acquirer, three additional
facilities (Building 517 in Irvine,
Building 2 in Mexicali, and Building
213 in Melbourne, Florida). The option
of acquiring the latter three facilities is
designed to allow the Acquirer to
consolidate facilities if needed. The
THSA Divestiture Assets also include
all tangible and intangible assets
primarily related to or necessary for the
operation of the THSA business.
Regardless of whether particular assets
have been primarily used for the THSA
business, all assets necessary to
successfully develop, manufacture, and
sell THSAs must be conveyed with the
divestiture.
The proposed Final Judgment
provides that, at the option of the
Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture
Assets, and subject to the review and
approval of the United States, Building
518 may be transferred via a sublease in
lieu of a divestiture. Rockwell Collins
currently holds a single lease on
Buildings 517 and 518, and this
provision allows the Acquirer to use
Building 518 without assuming
responsibility for both properties.
In addition, Defendants are required
to use reasonable best efforts to obtain
approvals required from United States
government customers for the transfer of
certain proprietary contracts. If the
necessary approvals cannot be obtained,
Defendants may retain those contracts
and portions thereof that cannot be
subcontracted to the Acquirer, as well as
those tangible and intangible assets that
have been used exclusively in the
performance of those contracts.
Paragraph V(A) of the proposed Final
Judgment requires Defendants to divest
the THSA Divestiture Assets as a viable
ongoing business within the later of five
2 In addition to THSAs for large aircraft, the
THSA Divestiture Assets also include legacy flap
actuation, nose wheel steering gear boxes, and pilot
control systems, including center yokes, rudder
brake pedal units, throttle quadrant assemblies,
auto-throttles, and control stand modules.
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(5) calendar days after notice of entry of
this Final Judgment by the Court or
fifteen (15) calendar days after Required
Regulatory Approvals have been
received.
b. Transition Services Agreement and
Transition Obligation
To facilitate the transfer of the
divestiture assets between facilities
without a supply interruption, the
proposed Final Judgment provides the
Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets
with the option to enter into a transition
services agreement with Defendants to
obtain services related to facility
management and upkeep, facility and
asset transition, government
compliance, accounting and finance,
information technology and human
resources for the THSA Divestiture
Assets for a period of up to twelve (12)
months. The United States, in its sole
discretion, may approve one or more
extensions of this agreement for a total
of up to an additional twelve (12)
months. Defendants must use their best
efforts to assist the Acquirer with the
transition of the THSA Divestiture
Assets to locations of the Acquirer’s
choosing and to not impede that
transition.
c. Supply Agreement
Under the proposed Final Judgment,
the Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture
Assets has the option to obtain a supply
agreement from Defendants to provide
services related to the manufacture of
THSA components in Melbourne,
Florida and Cedar Rapids, Iowa
sufficient to meet all or part of the
Acquirer’s needs for a period of up to
twelve months. The United States, in its
sole discretion, may approve one or
more extensions of this agreement for a
total of up to an additional twelve (12)
months. This supply agreement may be
necessary to permit the Acquirer to fill
existing orders during the time period
that manufacturing is being transitioned
to other facilities. This is necessary due
to the extended manufacturing process
and the long lead time required for
many components, and acceptable given
that these assets will be dedicated to
filling existing contracts that are
unlikely to be subject to competition
during the pendency of this supply
agreement.
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B. Other Provisions
1. Use of Divestiture Trustee
In the event that Defendants do not
accomplish the divestitures within the
specified time periods, Section VI of the
proposed Final Judgment provides that
the Court will appoint a trustee selected
by the United States to effect the
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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 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 are
appropriate to carry out the purpose of
the trust, including extending the trust
or the term of the trustee’s appointment.
2. Prohibition on Reacquisition
Section XIII of the proposed Final
Judgment prohibits Defendants from
reacquiring any part of the Divestiture
Assets during the term of the Final
Judgment. In addition, this section
prohibits an Acquirer from acquiring
from Defendants during the term of the
Final Judgment any assets or businesses
that compete with the assets acquired by
that Acquirer.
3. Notification
Section XII of the proposed Final
Judgment requires Defendants to
provide notification to the Antitrust
Division of certain proposed
acquisitions not otherwise subject to
filing under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act,
15 U.S.C. 18a (the ‘‘HSR Act’’) in the
format and pursuant to the instructions
provided under that statute for
notification. The notification
requirement applies in the case of any
direct or indirect acquisitions of any
assets of or interest in any entity
engaged in the development,
manufacture, or sale of pneumatic ice
protection systems valued over $25
million. Section XII further provides for
waiting periods and opportunities for
the United States to obtain additional
information similar to the provisions of
the HSR Act before such acquisitions
can be consummated.
4. Compliance and Enforcement
Provisions
The proposed Final Judgment also
contains provisions designed to promote
compliance and make the enforcement
of Division consent decrees as effective
as possible. Paragraph XV(A) provides
that the United States retains and
reserves all rights to enforce the
provisions of the proposed Final
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52555
Judgment, including its rights to seek an
order of contempt from the Court. Under
the terms of this paragraph, Defendants
have agreed that in any civil contempt
action, any motion to show cause, or
any similar action brought by the United
States regarding an alleged violation of
the Final Judgment, the United States
may establish the violation and the
appropriateness of any remedy by a
preponderance of the evidence and that
Defendants have waived any argument
that a different standard of proof should
apply. This provision aligns the
standard for compliance obligations
with the standard of proof that applies
to the underlying offense that the
compliance commitments address.
Paragraph XV(B) provides additional
clarification regarding the interpretation
of the provisions of the proposed Final
Judgment. The proposed Final Judgment
was drafted to restore all competition
that would otherwise be harmed by the
merger. Defendants agree that they will
abide by the proposed Final Judgment,
and that they may be held in contempt
of this Court for failing to comply with
any provision of the proposed Final
Judgment that is stated specifically and
in reasonable detail, as interpreted in
light of this procompetitive purpose.
Paragraph XV(C) further provides that
should the Court find in an enforcement
proceeding that Defendants have
violated the Final Judgment, the United
States may apply to the Court for a onetime extension of the Final Judgment,
together with such other relief as may be
appropriate. In addition, in order to
compensate American taxpayers for any
costs associated with the investigation
and enforcement of violations of the
proposed Final Judgment, in any
successful effort by the United States to
enforce the Final Judgment against a
Defendant, whether litigated or resolved
prior to litigation, that Defendant agrees
to reimburse the United States for
attorneys’ fees, experts’ fees, or costs
incurred in connection with any
enforcement effort, including the
investigation of the potential violation.
Finally, Section XVI provides that the
Final Judgment shall expire ten years
from the date of its entry, except that
after five years from the date of its entry,
the Final Judgment may be terminated
upon notice by the United States to the
Court and Defendants that the
divestitures have been completed and
that the continuation of the Final
Judgment is no longer necessary or in
the public interest.
IV. REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO
POTENTIAL PRIVATE LITIGANTS
Section 4 of the Clayton Act, 15
U.S.C. § 15, provides that any person
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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.
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V. PROCEDURES AVAILABLE FOR
MODIFICATION OF THE PROPOSED
FINAL JUDGMENT
The United States 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
website, and, under certain
circumstances, published in the Federal
Register.
Written comments should be
submitted to:
Maribeth Petrizzi, Chief, Defense,
Industrials, and Aerospace 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
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modification, interpretation, or
enforcement of the Final Judgment.
VI. ALTERNATIVES TO THE
PROPOSED FINAL JUDGMENT
The United States considered, as an
alternative to the proposed Final
Judgment, a full trial on the merits
against Defendants. The United States
could have continued the litigation and
sought preliminary and permanent
injunctions preventing UTC’s
acquisition of Rockwell Collins. The
United States is satisfied, however, that
the divestiture of the assets described in
the proposed Final Judgment will
preserve competition for the
development, manufacture, and sale of
pneumatic ice protection systems for
aircraft and THSAs for large aircraft.
Thus, the proposed Final Judgment
would achieve all or substantially all of
the relief the United States 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 sixtyday 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
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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
the mechanism to enforce the final
judgment are clear and manageable.’’).3
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
3 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).
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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).4 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).
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,
4 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’’’).
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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. § 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
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52557
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 11.5 A court can make its
public interest determination based on
the competitive impact statement and
response to public comments alone.
U.S. Airways, 38 F. Supp. 3d at 75.
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: October 10, 2018
Respectfully submitted,
lllllllllllllllllllll
SOYOUNG CHOE *
Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace Section,
Antitrust Division, 450 Fifth Street NW, Suite
8700, Washington, DC 20530, Telephone:
(202) 598–2436, Facsimile: (202) 514–9033,
soyoung.choe@usdoj.gov
* Attorney of Record
[FR Doc. 2018–22555 Filed 10–16–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410–11–P
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Antitrust Division
Notice Pursuant to the National
Cooperative Research and Production
Act of 1993—UHD Alliance, Inc.
Notice is hereby given that, on
September 6, 2018, pursuant to Section
6(a) of the National Cooperative
Research and Production Act of 1993,
15 U.S.C. 4301 et seq. (‘‘the Act’’), UHD
Alliance, Inc. (‘‘UHD Alliance’’) filed
written notifications simultaneously
with the Attorney General and the
Federal Trade Commission disclosing
changes in its membership. The
notifications were filed for the purpose
of extending the Act’s provisions
5 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.’’).
E:\FR\FM\17OCN1.SGM
17OCN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 201 (Wednesday, October 17, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52542-52557]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-22555]
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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Antitrust Division
United States v. United Technologies Corporation, 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,
Stipulation, and Competitive Impact Statement have been filed with the
United States District Court for the District of Columbia in United
States of America v. United Technologies Corporation, et al., Civil
Action No. 1:18-cv-02279. On October 1, 2018, the United States filed a
Complaint alleging that United Technologies Corporation's proposed
acquisition of Rockwell Collins, Inc. (``Rockwell Collins'') 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 Rockwell Collins' ice protection systems business
and trimmable horizontal stabilizer business, including Rockwell
Collins' pilot controls business.
Copies of the Complaint, proposed Final Judgment, and Competitive
Impact Statement are available for inspection on the Antitrust
Division's website at https://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 website,
filed with the Court, and, under certain circumstances, published in
the Federal Register. Comments should be directed to Maribeth Petrizzi,
Chief, Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace 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 5th Street NW, Suite 8700, Washington, DC 20530,
Plaintiff, v., United Technologies Corporation, 10 Farm Springs
Road, Farmington, CT 06032, and, Rockwell Collins, Inc., 400 Collins
Road NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52498, Defendants.
Civil Action No: 1:18-cv-02279,
Judge: Rudolph Contreras
COMPLAINT
The United States of America (``United States''), acting under the
direction of the Attorney General of the United States, brings this
civil antitrust action against United Technologies Corporation
(``UTC'') and Rockwell Collins, Inc. (``Rockwell Collins'') to enjoin
UTC's proposed acquisition of Rockwell Collins. The United States
complains and alleges as follows:
I. NATURE OF THE ACTION
1. Pursuant to an asset purchase agreement dated September 4, 2017,
UTC proposes to acquire all the shares of Rockwell Collins. The
transaction is valued at approximately $30 billion. The acquisition
would constitute one of the largest aerospace acquisitions in history.
2. UTC and Rockwell Collins are two of three suppliers in the world
for pneumatic ice protection systems for fixed-wing aircraft
(``aircraft''). Ice protection systems are critical to aircraft safety,
as aircraft icing is a major hazard to aviation. The proposed
acquisition would eliminate competition between UTC and Rockwell
Collins for these systems.
3. UTC and Rockwell Collins are two of the leading suppliers in the
worldwide market for trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators
(``THSAs'') for large aircraft. THSAs help an aircraft maintain the
proper altitude during flight and are critical to the safe operation of
the aircraft. The proposed acquisition would eliminate competition
between UTC and Rockwell Collins for THSAs for large aircraft.
4. As a result, the proposed acquisition likely would substantially
lessen competition in the worldwide markets for the development,
manufacture, and sale of pneumatic ice protection systems for aircraft
and THSAs for large aircraft in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton
Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 18.
II. THE DEFENDANTS
5. UTC is incorporated in Delaware and has its headquarters in
Farmington, Connecticut. UTC produces a wide range of products for the
aerospace industry and other industries, including pneumatic ice
protection systems for aircraft and THSAs for large aircraft. In 2017,
UTC had sales of approximately $59.8 billion.
6. Rockwell Collins is incorporated in Delaware and is
headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Rockwell Collins is a major
provider of aerospace and defense electronics systems. Rockwell Collins
produces, among other products, pneumatic ice protection systems for
aircraft and THSAs for large aircraft. In fiscal year 2017, Rockwell
Collins had sales of approximately $6.8 billion.
III. JURISDICTION AND VENUE
7. The United States brings this action under Section 15 of the
Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 25, as amended, to prevent and restrain
Defendants from violating Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec.
18.
8. Defendants develop, manufacture, and sell pneumatic ice
protection systems for aircraft and THSAs for large aircraft in the
flow of interstate commerce. Defendants' activities in the development,
manufacture, and sale of these products substantially affects
interstate commerce. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over
this action pursuant to Section 15 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec.
25, and 28 U.S.C. Sec. Sec. 1331, 1337(a), and 1345.
9. 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. Sec. 22 and under 28
U.S.C. Sec. 1391(c).
IV. PNEUMATIC ICE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
A. Background
10. During flight, ice can accumulate on an aircraft's leading edge
surfaces, such as the part of the aircraft's wings that first contact
the air during flight. Such accumulation affects an aircraft's
maneuverability, increases drag, and decreases lift. If it remains
untreated, surface ice accumulation can lead to a catastrophic flight
event.
11. A pneumatic ice protection system is engineered to remove
accumulated ice on an aircraft's wings. A pneumatic ice protection
system consists of two main elements, a de-icing boot and pneumatic
system hardware. A de-icing boot is an inflatable tube made of rubber
or a similar material that is physically bonded to the leading edge of
the
[[Page 52543]]
aircraft's wings. The pneumatic system hardware consists of equipment
designed to control the flow of air into the de-icing boot. When ice
begins to accumulate on the wings, the de-icing boot is inflated. The
expansion of the de-icing boot cracks the ice off the leading edge. The
de-icing boot may be inflated and deflated manually (by the pilot) or
automatically (by a timer).
12. Pneumatic ice protection systems are one form of ice protection
technology. Ice protection systems are selected at the aircraft design
stage based on the characteristics of the aircraft. The specific design
features of an aircraft, such as the availability of electrical power,
determines which type of ice protection system will be used on the
aircraft. For example, some aircraft use electrothermal systems, but
such systems require significant electrical power to heat aircraft
surfaces; other aircraft may use engine bleed air systems, but those
systems require significant hot air bled from engines to heat aircraft
surfaces. Aircraft using pneumatic ice protection systems generally
have low availability of electrical power and insufficient bleed air
from the aircraft engines, and also generally require lightweight and
low-cost systems. This compels manufacturers of aircraft, such as the
Gulfstream G150, the Cessna Citation M2, the Beechcraft King Air, and
the ATR 42, to use pneumatic ice protection systems. Once an aircraft
manufacturer has selected a particular pneumatic ice protection system,
that system is certified as an Original Equipment Manufacturer
(``OEM'') part of the aircraft's manufacturing design. Aircraft
manufacturers generally only certify one supplier for ice protection
systems for a particular aircraft model.
13. Pneumatic ice protection systems, and components thereof, are
also sold in the aftermarket, as their components require repair or
replacement after extended use. Most of the revenues related to
pneumatic ice protection systems are derived from aftermarket sales.
Aftermarket purchasers include aircraft manufacturers, aircraft
operators, and service centers. Although generally only one particular
pneumatic ice protection system is certified with the aircraft model as
original equipment, pneumatic ice protection system suppliers often
procure additional certifications that allow their pneumatic ice
protection system components to replace their competitors' OEM
pneumatic ice protection components in the aftermarket.
14. Because surface ice accumulation may lead to a catastrophic
flight event, pneumatic ice protection systems are considered critical
flight components. An aircraft manufacturer or aftermarket purchaser is
therefore likely to prefer proven suppliers of pneumatic ice protection
systems.
B. Relevant Markets
1. Product Market
15. Pneumatic ice protection systems have numerous attributes
(lightweight, low-cost, and low-power requirements) that make them an
attractive option for aircraft manufacturers of aircraft with certain
design requirements. Certain aircraft models can only use pneumatic ice
protection systems. For the customers that produce that model,
pneumatic ice protection systems are the best option, as they cannot
effectively use other types of ice protection systems such as an
electrothermal system, which requires a significant amount of
electrical power, or an engine bleed air system, which requires engines
large enough to generate significant excess heat.
16. Once an aircraft is certified, switching the ice protection
system on a particular model of aircraft to a different type of ice
protection system, even if technologically feasible, would require some
re-design of the ice protection portion of the aircraft and
recertification of the aircraft, potentially costing millions of
dollars, requiring additional flight testing, and consuming years of
time. Therefore, a small but significant increase in the price of
pneumatic ice protection systems would not cause customers of those ice
protection systems to substitute an alternative type of ice protection
system for the original aircraft or in the aftermarket in volumes
sufficient to make such a price increase unprofitable. Accordingly,
pneumatic ice protection systems are a relevant product market and line
of commerce under Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 18.
17. Although the pneumatic ice protection system installed on each
model of aircraft may be unique, and each system could therefore be
deemed a separate product market, in each such market there are few
competitors. The proposed acquisition of Rockwell Collins by UTC would
affect competition for each pneumatic ice protection system in the same
manner, as the competitive conditions are the same for each pneumatic
ice protection system. It is therefore appropriate to aggregate the
different systems to one pneumatic ice protection market for purposes
of analyzing the effects of the acquisition.
2. Geographic Market
18. The relevant geographic market is worldwide within the meaning
of Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 18. Pneumatic ice
protection systems are marketed internationally and may be sourced
economically from suppliers globally, because transportation costs are
a small proportion of the cost of the system and thus are not a major
factor in supplier selection.
C. Anticompetitive Effects of the Proposed Transaction
19. There are only three competitors in the market for the
development, manufacture, and sale of pneumatic ice protection systems.
These three firms are the only sources for both OEM systems and
aftermarket systems and parts. Based on historical sales results, a
combined UTC-Rockwell Collins would control a majority share of OEM and
aftermarket sales. Therefore, UTC's acquisition of Rockwell Collins
would significantly increase concentration in an already highly
concentrated market.
20. UTC and Rockwell Collins compete directly on price. In some
cases, one of the companies has replaced the other's pneumatic ice
protection system or components thereof on a particular aircraft in the
aftermarket. This acquisition threatens to extinguish that competition,
likely leading to price increases and significant harm to aircraft
manufacturers and aftermarket customers that require pneumatic ice
protection systems.
21. Customers have benefited from the competition between UTC and
Rockwell Collins for sales of pneumatic ice protection systems by
receiving lower prices, more favorable contractual terms, and shorter
delivery times. The combination of UTC and Rockwell Collins would
eliminate this competition and its future benefits to customers. Post-
acquisition, UTC likely would have the incentive and the ability to
increase prices profitably and offer less favorable contractual terms.
22. The proposed acquisition, therefore, likely would substantially
lessen competition in the development, manufacture, and sale of
pneumatic ice protection systems for aircraft worldwide in violation of
Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 18.
D. Difficulty of Entry
23. Sufficient, timely entry of additional competitors into the
markets for pneumatic ice protection systems is unlikely to prevent the
harm to competition that is likely to result if the proposed
acquisition is consummated.
[[Page 52544]]
Entry of a new competitor into the development, manufacture, and sale
of a pneumatic ice protection system is unlikely and cannot happen in a
time period that would prevent significant competitive harm.
24. Entry is unlikely due to the small size of the pneumatic ice
protection system market. In addition, competitions for aircraft
suitable for pneumatic ice protection systems are infrequent.
Accordingly, there are limited bidding opportunities for OEM sales and
less incentive for a new competitor to enter, which means that a
supplier would be less likely to enter the market.
25. Pneumatic ice protection systems generally are not built by
aircraft manufacturers, in part because pneumatic technology tends to
be complicated and technically different from other aircraft systems.
Therefore aircraft manufacturers are unlikely to bring production of
such systems in-house in response to a price increase.
26. Although aftermarket replacement opportunities for existing
pneumatic ice protection system suppliers are available in certain
cases, entry is costly due to the associated certification costs.
Aircraft manufacturers, operators, and servicers also hesitate to
purchase aircraft systems and parts from new suppliers, particularly
for critical flight components like ice protection systems.
27. As a result of these barriers, entry into the markets for
pneumatic ice protection systems would not be timely, likely, or
sufficient to defeat the substantial lessening of competition that is
likely to result from UTC's acquisition of Rockwell Collins.
V. TRIMMABLE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER ACTUATORS FOR LARGE AIRCRAFT
A. Background
28. Actuators are responsible for the proper positions of an
aircraft by manipulating the ``control surfaces'' on its wings and tail
section. A trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (``THSA'') helps an
aircraft maintain the proper altitude during flight by adjusting
(``trimming'') the angle of the horizontal stabilizer, the control
surface of the aircraft's tail responsible for aircraft pitch. This
control surface is critical to the safety and performance of the
aircraft, as a loss of control could cause the aircraft to crash. The
stabilizer encounters significant aerodynamic loads for extended
periods of time, and the THSA must be capable of handling these loads.
THSAs thus tend to be the largest and most technically demanding
actuators on an aircraft.
29. THSAs vary based on the size and type of the aircraft on which
they are used. Because large aircraft encounter significantly higher
aerodynamic loads than smaller aircraft, THSAs for large aircraft are
considerably larger, more complex, and more expensive than those used
on smaller aircraft. Large aircraft primarily include commercial
aircraft that seat at least six passengers abreast (such as the Airbus
A320 and A350 and the Boeing 737 and 787) and military transport
aircraft, but exclude regional jets, business jets, and tactical
military aircraft.
B. Relevant Markets
1. Product Market
30. THSAs for large aircraft do not have technical substitutes.
Large aircraft manufacturers cannot switch to THSAs for smaller
aircraft, or actuators for other aircraft control surfaces, because
those products cannot adequately control the lift and manage the load
generated by the horizontal stabilizer of a large aircraft. A small but
significant increase in the price of THSAs for large aircraft would not
cause aircraft manufacturers to substitute THSAs designed for smaller
aircraft or actuators for other control surfaces in volumes sufficient
to make such a price increase unprofitable. Accordingly, THSAs for
large aircraft are a line of commerce and a relevant product market
within the meaning of Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 18.
2. Geographic Market
31. The relevant geographic market within the meaning of Section 7
of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 18 is worldwide. THSAs for large
aircraft are marketed internationally and may be sourced from suppliers
globally, because transportation costs are a small proportion of the
cost of the product and thus are not a major factor in supplier
selection.
C. Anticompetitive Effects of the Proposed Acquisition
32. UTC and Rockwell Collins are each other's closest competitors
for THSAs for large aircraft. UTC and Rockwell Collins have won two of
the most significant recent contract awards for THSAs for large
aircraft: the Boeing 777X and the Airbus A350. Boeing and Airbus are
the world's largest manufacturers of passenger aircraft, and these
aircraft represent two of only three THSA awards by these manufacturers
in this century.
33. While there are other producers of THSAs for large aircraft,
those producers tend to concentrate on THSAs for smaller aircraft, such
as business jets or regional jets, or to focus on products for other
aircraft control surfaces.
34. UTC and Rockwell Collins each view the other firm as the most
significant competitive threat for THSAs for large aircraft. The two
companies are among the few that have demonstrated expertise in
designing and producing THSAs for large aircraft. Each firm considers
the other company's offering when planning bids.
35. Customers have benefitted from the competition between UTC and
Rockwell Collins for THSAs for large aircraft by receiving lower
prices, more favorable contractual terms, more innovative products, and
shorter delivery times. The combination of UTC and Rockwell Collins
would eliminate this competition and its future benefits to customers.
Post-acquisition, UTC likely would have the incentive and the ability
to increase prices profitably and offer less favorable contractual
terms.
36. UTC and Rockwell Collins also invest significantly to remain
leading suppliers of new THSAs for large aircraft, and aircraft
manufacturers expect them to remain leading suppliers of new products
in the future. The combination of UTC and Rockwell Collins would likely
eliminate this competition, depriving large aircraft customers of the
benefit of future innovation and product development.
37. The proposed acquisition, therefore, likely would substantially
lessen competition for the development, manufacture, and sale of THSAs
worldwide for large aircraft in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton
Act.
D. Difficulty of Entry
38. Sufficient, timely entry of additional competitors into the
market for THSAs for large aircraft is unlikely to prevent the harm to
competition that is likely to result if the proposed transaction is
consummated.
39. Developing a THSA for large aircraft is technically difficult.
Even manufacturers of THSAs for smaller aircraft face significant
technical hurdles in designing and developing THSAs for large aircraft.
As aerodynamic loads are a major design consideration for THSAs, and
such loads are tightly correlated with the size of the aircraft, THSAs
for large aircraft present more demanding technical challenges than
those for smaller aircraft.
40. Opportunities to enter are limited. Because certification of a
THSA is expensive and time-consuming, once a THSA is certified for a
particular aircraft type, it is rarely replaced in the aftermarket by a
different THSA.
[[Page 52545]]
Accordingly, competition between suppliers of THSAs generally only
occurs when an aircraft manufacturer is designing a new aircraft or an
upgraded version of an existing aircraft, which are infrequent
occurrences because development costs for such aircraft can be tens of
billions of dollars. As a result, several years usually pass between
contract awards for THSAs for a new aircraft design.
41. Potential entrants into the production of THSAs for large
aircraft face several additional obstacles. First, manufacturers of
large aircraft are more likely to purchase THSAs from those firms
already supplying THSAs for other large aircraft. The important
connection between THSAs and aircraft safety drives aircraft
manufacturers toward suppliers experienced with production of THSAs of
the relevant type and size. While some companies may have demonstrated
experience in THSAs for smaller aircraft, such experience is not
considered by customers to be as relevant as experience in THSAs for
large aircraft. A new entrant would face significant costs and time to
be considered a potential alternative to the existing suppliers.
42. Substantial time and significant financial investment would be
required for a company to design and develop a THSA for large aircraft.
Even companies that already make other types of THSAs would require
years of effort and an investment of many millions of dollars to
develop a product that is competitive with those offered by existing
large aircraft THSA suppliers.
43. As a result of these barriers, entry into the market for THSAs
for large aircraft would not be timely, likely, or sufficient to defeat
the substantial lessening of competition that would likely result from
UTC's acquisition of Rockwell Collins.
VI. VIOLATIONS ALLEGED
44. UTC's acquisition of Rockwell Collins likely would lessen
competition substantially in the development, manufacture, and sale of
pneumatic ice protection systems for aircraft and THSAs for large
aircraft, in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec.
18.
45. Unless enjoined, the acquisition likely would have the
following anticompetitive effects, among others, relating to pneumatic
ice protection systems for aircraft:
(a) actual and potential competition between UTC and Rockwell
Collins would be eliminated;
(b) competition likely would be substantially lessened; and
(c) prices likely would increase and contractual terms likely would
be less favorable to the customers.
46. Unless enjoined, the proposed acquisition likely would have the
following anticompetitive effects relating to THSAs for large aircraft,
among others:
(a) actual and potential competition between UTC and Rockwell
Collins would be eliminated;
(b) competition likely would be substantially lessened;
(c) prices would likely increase, contractual terms likely would be
less favorable to the customers, and innovation likely would decrease.
VII. REQUEST FOR RELIEF
47. The United States requests that this Court:
(a) adjudge and decree that UTC's acquisition of Rockwell Collins
would be unlawful and violate Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C.
Sec. 18;
(b) preliminarily and permanently enjoin and restrain Defendants
and all persons acting on their behalf from consummating the proposed
acquisition of Rockwell Collins by UTC, or from entering into or
carrying out any other contract, agreement, plan, or understanding, the
effect of which would be to combine UTC with Rockwell Collins;
(c) award the United States its costs for this action; and
(d) award the United States such other and further relief as the
Court deems just and proper.
Dated: October 1, 2018
Respectfully submitted,
FOR PLAINTIFF UNITED STATES:
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MAKAN DELRAHIM (DC Bar #457795)
Assistant Attorney General, Chief Antitrust Division
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ANDREW C. FINCH (DC Bar #494992)
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Antitrust Division
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PATRICIA A. BRINK
Director of Civil Enforcement
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MARIBETH PETRIZZI (DC Bar #435204)
Chief, Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace Section, Antitrust
Division
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STEPHANIE A. FLEMING
Assistant Chief, Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace Section,
Antitrust Division
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SOYOUNG CHOE *
SIDDHARTH DADHICH
KEVIN QUIN (D.C. Bar #415268)
Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace Section, Antitrust Division, 450
Fifth Street NW, Suite 8700, Washington, DC 20530, Telephone: (202)
598-2436, Facsimile: (202) 514-9033, [email protected]
* LEAD ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
United States District Court for the District of Columbia
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff, v. United Technologies
Corporation and Rockwell Collins, Inc., Defendants.
Civil Action No: 1:18-cv-02279
Judge: Rudolph Contreras
PROPOSED FINAL JUDGMENT
WHEREAS, Plaintiff, United States of America, filed its Complaint
on October 1, 2018, the United States and Defendants, United
Technologies Corporation (``UTC'') and Rockwell Collins, Inc.
(``Rockwell Collins''), 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 or assets by Defendants to assure
that competition is not substantially lessened;
AND WHEREAS, the United States requires Defendants to make certain
divestitures for the purpose of remedying the loss of competition
alleged in the Complaint;
AND WHEREAS, Defendants have represented to the United States 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
The 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, as amended (15 U.S.C. Sec. 18).
II. DEFINITIONS
As used in this Final Judgment:
[[Page 52546]]
A. ``Acquirer'' or ``Acquirers'' means the entity or entities to
whom Defendants divest any of the Divestiture Assets.
B. ``Acquirer of the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets'' means the
entity to which Defendants divest the Ice Protection Divestiture
Assets.
C. ``Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets'' means Safran S.A. or
the entity to which Defendants divest the THSA Divestiture Assets.
D. ``UTC'' means defendant United Technologies Corporation, a
Delaware corporation with its headquarters in Farmington, Connecticut,
its successors and assigns, and its subsidiaries, divisions, groups,
affiliates, partnerships, and joint ventures, and their directors,
officers, managers, agents, and employees.
E. ``Rockwell Collins'' means defendant Rockwell Collins, Inc., a
Delaware corporation with its headquarters in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, its
successors and assigns, and its subsidiaries, divisions, groups,
affiliates, partnerships, and joint ventures, and their directors,
officers, managers, agents, and employees.
F. ``Ice Protection Business'' means Rockwell Collins' SMR
Technologies division, including Rockwell's business in the
development, manufacture, and sale of pneumatic ice protection systems
and other ice protection products.
G. ``WEMAC Product Line'' means the Rockwell Collins products sold
under the WEMAC name, including air gasper valves and interior signage
components.
H. ``Ice Protection Divestiture Assets'' means Rockwell Collins'
Ice Protection Business, including:
1. The facility located at 93 Nettie-Fenwick Road, Fenwick, West
Virginia (``Fenwick Facility'');
2. All tangible assets primarily related to the Ice Protection
Business, with the exception of those used exclusively in the WEMAC
Product Line, including but not limited to research and development
activities; all manufacturing equipment, tooling and fixed assets,
personal property, inventory, office furniture, materials, supplies,
and other tangible property; all licenses, permits, certifications, and
authorizations issued by any governmental organization relating to the
Ice Protection Business; all contracts, teaming arrangements,
agreements, leases, commitments, certifications, and understandings,
including supply agreements; all customer lists, contracts, accounts,
and credit records; all repair and performance records and all other
records relating to the Ice Protection Business;
3. All intangible assets primarily related to the Ice Protection
Business, with the exception of those used exclusively in the WEMAC
Product Line, including, but not limited to, all patents; licenses and
sublicenses; intellectual property; copyrights; trademarks; 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 Defendants provide to their own employees,
customers, suppliers, agents, or licensees; and all research data
concerning historic and current research and development efforts
relating to the Ice Protection Business, including, but not limited to,
designs of experiments and the results of successful and unsuccessful
designs and experiments.
I. ``THSA Divestiture Business'' means Rockwell Collins' business
in the design, development, manufacture, sale, service, or distribution
of: (i) trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators (``THSAs''), legacy
flap actuation, and nose wheel steering gear boxes; and (ii) pilot
control systems, including center yokes, rudder brake pedal units,
throttle quadrant assemblies, auto-throttles, and control stand
modules.
J. ``THSA Divestiture Assets'' means, subject to the terms of
Paragraph V(D) of this Final Judgment:
1. The facilities located at 1833 Alton Parkway, Irvine, California
(``Building 518'') and Ave. Sierra San Agustin #2498, Col. El Porvenir
C.P. 21185, Mexicali, Mexico (``Building 1'');
2. At the option of the Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets,
the facilities located at 1733 Alton Parkway, Irvine, California
(``Building 517''), 1100 W. Hibiscus Boulevard, Melbourne, Florida
(``Building 213''), and Ave. Sierra San Agustin #2498, Col. El Porvenir
C.P. 21185, Mexicali, Mexico (``Building 2'');
3. All tangible assets primarily related to or necessary for the
operation of the THSA Divestiture Business, including but not limited
to research and development activities, all manufacturing equipment,
tooling and fixed assets, personal property, inventory, office
furniture, materials, supplies, and other tangible property; all
licenses, permits, certifications, and authorizations issued by any
governmental organization relating to the THSA Divestiture Business;
all contracts; all teaming arrangements, agreements, leases,
commitments, certifications, and understandings, including supply
agreements; all customer lists, contracts, accounts, and credit
records; all repair and performance records and all other records
relating to the THSA Divestiture Business;
4. All intangible assets primarily related to or necessary for the
operation of the THSA Divestiture Business, including, but not limited
to, all patents; licenses and sublicenses; intellectual property;
copyrights; trademarks; 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 Defendants
provide to their own employees, customers, suppliers, agents, or
licensees; and all research data concerning historic and current
research and development efforts relating to the THSA Divestiture
Business, including, but not limited to, designs of experiments and the
results of successful and unsuccessful designs and experiments.
K. ``Divestiture Assets'' means the Ice Protection Divestiture
Assets and the THSA Divestiture Assets.
L. ``Required Regulatory Approvals'' means (1) clearance pursuant
to any Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (``CFIUS'')
filing or similar foreign investment filing, if any, made by the
Defendants and/or any Acquirer of the Divestiture Assets; and (2) any
approvals or clearances required under antitrust or competition laws.
III. APPLICABILITY
A. This Final Judgment applies to UTC and Rockwell Collins, 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 Section IV, Section V, and Section
VI of this Final Judgment, Defendants sell or otherwise dispose of all
or substantially all of their assets or of lesser business units that
include the Divestiture Assets, Defendants shall require the purchaser
to be bound by the provisions of this Final Judgment. Defendants need
not obtain such an agreement from the
[[Page 52547]]
Acquirers of the assets divested pursuant to this Final Judgment.
IV. DIVESTITURE OF THE ICE PROTECTION DIVESTITURE ASSETS
A. Defendants are ordered and directed, within the later of (1)
five (5) calendar days after notice of entry of this Final Judgment by
the Court or (2) fifteen (15) calendar days after Required Regulatory
Approvals have been received to divest the Ice Protection 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 Ice Protection Divestiture Assets as
expeditiously as possible.
B. In accomplishing the divestiture of the Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets ordered by this Final Judgment, Defendants promptly
shall make known, by usual and customary means, the availability of the
Ice Protection Divestiture Assets. Defendants shall inform any person
making an inquiry regarding a possible purchase of the Ice 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, subject
to customary confidentiality assurances, all information and documents
relating to the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets customarily provided
in a due diligence process, except information or documents subject to
the attorney-client privilege or work-product doctrine. Defendants
shall make available such information to the United States at the same
time that such information is made available to any other person.
C. Defendants shall provide the Acquirer of the Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets and the United States information relating to the
personnel involved in the design, development, production,
distribution, sale, or service of products by or under any of the Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets to enable the Acquirer of the Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets to make offers of employment. Defendants
will not interfere with any negotiations by the Acquirer of the Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets to employ any Defendant employee whose
primary responsibility is the design, development, production,
distribution, sale, or service of products by or under any of the Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets.
D. Defendants shall permit prospective Acquirers of the Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets to have reasonable access to personnel
and to make inspections of the physical facilities to be divested;
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 Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets that each asset will be operational on the date of
sale.
F. Defendants shall not take any action that will impede in any way
the permitting, operation, or divestiture of the Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets.
G. Defendants shall warrant to the Acquirer of the Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets (1) that there are no material defects in the
environmental, zoning, or other permits pertaining to the operation of
the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets, and (2) that following the sale
of the Ice 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 Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets.
H. At the option of the Acquirer of the Ice Protection Divestiture
Assets, Defendants shall enter into a transition services agreement
with the Acquirer of the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets to provide
back office and information technology services and support for the Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets for a period of up to twelve (12) months.
The United States, in its sole discretion, may approve one or more
extensions of this agreement for a total of up to an additional twelve
(12) months. If the Acquirer of the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets
seeks an extension of the term of this transition services agreement,
it shall so notify the United States in writing at least three (3)
months prior to the date the transition services contract expires. If
the United States approves such an extension, it shall so notify the
Acquirer of the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets in writing at least
two (2) months prior to the date the transition services contract
expires. The terms and conditions of any contractual arrangement
intended to satisfy this provision must be reasonably related to the
market value of the expertise of the personnel providing any needed
assistance. The UTC employee(s) tasked with providing these transition
services may not share any competitively sensitive information of the
Acquirer of the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets with any other UTC
employee.
I. Defendants shall remove from the Fenwick Facility the assets
used exclusively with the WEMAC Product Line within nine (9) months of
the divestiture of the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets. The United
States, in its sole discretion, may agree to one or more extensions of
this time period not to exceed three (3) months in total.
J. 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 Ice Protection Divestiture Assets, and shall be accomplished in
such a way as to satisfy the United States, in its sole discretion,
that the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets can and will be used by the
Acquirer of the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets as part of a viable,
ongoing business of the development, manufacture, sale, service, or
distribution of pneumatic ice protection systems. The divestiture,
whether pursuant to Section IV or Section V of this Final Judgment,
(1) shall be made to an Acquirer of the Ice Protection Divestiture
Assets 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
the development, manufacture, and sale of pneumatic ice protection
systems; 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 an
Acquirer of the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets 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. DIVESTITURE OF THE THSA DIVESTITURE ASSETS
A. Defendants are ordered and directed, within the later of (1)
five (5) calendar days after notice of entry of this Final Judgment or
(2) fifteen (15) calendar days after Required Regulatory Approvals have
been received, to divest the THSA Divestiture Assets in a manner
consistent with this Final Judgment to an Acquirer acceptable to the
United States, in its sole discretion. At the option of the Acquirer of
the
[[Page 52548]]
THSA Divestiture Assets, and subject to the review and approval by the
United States, Building 518 may be transferred via a sublease in lieu
of a divestiture. 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
Divestiture Assets as expeditiously as possible.
B. In the event Defendants are attempting to divest the THSA
Divestiture Assets to an Acquirer other than Safran S.A., Defendants
promptly shall make known, by usual and customary means, the
availability of the THSA Divestiture Assets. Defendants shall inform
any person making an inquiry regarding a possible purchase of the THSA
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, subject
to customary confidentiality assurances, all information and documents
relating to the THSA Divestiture Assets customarily provided in a due
diligence process except information or documents subject to the
attorney-client privilege or work-product doctrine. Defendants shall
make available such information to the United States at the same time
that such information is made available to any other person.
C. Defendants shall provide the Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture
Assets and the United States information relating to the personnel
involved in the design, development, production, distribution, sale, or
service of products by or under any of the THSA Divestiture Assets to
enable the Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets to make offers of
employment. Defendants will not interfere with any negotiations by the
Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets to employ any Defendant
employee whose primary responsibility is the design, development,
production, distribution, sale, or service of products by or under any
of the THSA Divestiture Assets.
D. Defendants shall use reasonable best efforts to obtain any
approvals required from United States government customers for the
transfer of proprietary contracts to the Acquirer of the THSA
Divestiture Assets. If such approvals cannot be obtained,
notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Final Judgment,
Defendants may:
1. Retain the proprietary contracts and those portions thereof that
cannot be subcontracted to the Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets;
and
2 Retain those tangible and intangible assets that have been used
exclusively in the performance of the proprietary contracts.
E. Defendants shall permit prospective Acquirers of the THSA
Divestiture Assets to have reasonable access to personnel and to make
inspections of the physical facilities to be divested; 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.
F. Defendants shall warrant to the Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture
Assets that each asset will be operational on the date of sale.
G. Defendants shall not take any action that will impede in any way
the permitting, operation, or divestiture of the THSA Divestiture
Assets.
H. Defendants shall warrant to the Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture
Assets (1) that there are no material defects in the environmental,
zoning, or other permits pertaining to the operation of the THSA
Divestiture Assets, and (2) that following the sale of the THSA
Divestiture Assets, Defendants will not undertake, directly or
indirectly, any challenges to the environmental, zoning, or other
permits relating to the operation of the THSA Divestiture Assets.
I. At the option of the Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets,
Defendants shall enter into a transition services agreement with the
Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets to provide services related to
facility management and upkeep, facility and asset transition,
government compliance, accounting and finance, information technology
and human resources for the THSA Divestiture Assets for a period of up
to twelve (12) months. The United States, in its sole discretion, may
approve one or more extensions of this agreement for a total of up to
an additional twelve (12) months. If the Acquirer of the THSA
Divestiture Assets seeks an extension of the term of this transition
services agreement, it shall so notify the United States in writing at
least three (3) months prior to the date the transition services
contract expires. If the United States approves such an extension, it
shall so notify the Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets in writing
at least two (2) months prior to the date the transition services
contract expires. The terms and conditions of any contractual
arrangement intended to satisfy this provision must be reasonably
related to the market value of the expertise of the personnel providing
any needed assistance. The UTC employee(s) tasked with providing these
transition services may not share any competitively sensitive
information of the Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets with any
other UTC employee.
J. During the term of the transition services agreement in
Paragraph V(I), Defendants shall use their best efforts to assist the
Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets with the transition of the THSA
Divestiture Assets to locations chosen by the Acquirer of the THSA
Divestiture Assets and the Defendants shall not impede this transition
of the THSA Divestiture Assets.
K. At the option of the Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets,
Defendants shall enter into a supply agreement to provide services
related to the manufacture of THSAs in Building 213 and Rockwell
Collins' Iowa C Ave Complex facility located at 400 Collins Road NE,
Cedar Rapids, Iowa sufficient to meet all or part of the needs of the
Acquirer of the THSA Assets for a period of up to twelve months. The
United States, in its sole discretion, may approve one or more
extensions of this agreement for a total of up to an additional twelve
(12) months. If the Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets seeks an
extension of the term of this agreement, it shall so notify the United
States in writing at least three (3) months prior to the date the
contract expires. If the United States approves such an extension, it
shall so notify the Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets in writing
at least two (2) months prior to the date the agreement expires. The
terms and conditions of any contractual arrangement meant to satisfy
this provision must be reasonably related to market conditions for such
services.
L. Unless the United States otherwise consents in writing, the
divestiture pursuant to Section V, or by Divestiture Trustee appointed
pursuant to Section VI, of this Final Judgment, shall include the
entire THSA Divestiture Assets, and shall be accomplished in such a way
as to satisfy the United States, in its sole discretion, that the THSA
Divestiture Assets can and will be used by the Acquirer of the THSA
Divestiture Assets as part of a viable, ongoing business of the
development, manufacture, and sale of THSAs. The divestiture, whether
pursuant to Section V or Section VI of this Final Judgment,
(1) shall be made to an Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets
that, in the United States' sole judgment, has the intent and
capability (including the necessary managerial, operational, technical,
and financial
[[Page 52549]]
capability) of competing effectively in the business of the
development, manufacture, and sale of THSAs; 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 an
Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets 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
A. If Defendants have not divested all of the Divestiture Assets
within the time periods specified in Paragraphs IV(A) and V(A),
Defendants shall notify the United States of that fact in writing. Upon
application of the United States, the Court shall appoint a Divestiture
Trustee selected by the United States and approved by the Court to
effect the divestiture(s) of any of the Divestiture Assets that have
not been sold during the time periods specified in Paragraphs IV(A) and
V(A).
B. After the appointment of a Divestiture Trustee becomes
effective, only the Divestiture Trustee shall have the right to sell
those Divestiture Assets that the Divestiture Trustee has been
appointed to sell. The Divestiture Trustee shall have the power and
authority to accomplish the divestiture(s) to an Acquirer(s) acceptable
to the United States, in its sole discretion at such price and on such
terms as are then obtainable upon reasonable effort by the Divestiture
Trustee, subject to the provisions of Sections IV, V, VI, and VII of
this Final Judgment, and shall have such other powers as the Court
deems appropriate. Subject to Paragraph VI(D) of this Final Judgment,
the Divestiture Trustee may hire at the cost and expense of Defendants
any agents, investment bankers, attorneys, accountants, or consultants,
who shall be solely accountable to the Divestiture Trustee, reasonably
necessary in the Divestiture Trustee's judgment to assist in the
divestiture(s). Any such agents or consultants 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
on any ground other than the Divestiture Trustee's malfeasance. Any
such objections by Defendants must be conveyed in writing to the United
States and the Divestiture Trustee within ten (10) calendar days after
the Divestiture Trustee has provided the notice required under Section
VII.
D. The Divestiture Trustee 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 shall account for all monies derived from the sale of the
assets sold by the Divestiture Trustee and all costs and expenses so
incurred. After approval by the Court of the Divestiture Trustee's
accounting, including fees for any of its services yet unpaid and those
of any professionals and agents retained by the Divestiture Trustee,
all remaining money shall be paid to Defendants and the trust shall
then be terminated. The compensation of the Divestiture Trustee and any
professionals and agents retained by the Divestiture Trustee shall be
reasonable in light of the value of the Divestiture Assets that are
being sold by the Divestiture Trustee and based on a fee arrangement
that provides the Divestiture Trustee with incentives based on the
price and terms of the divestiture and the speed with which it is
accomplished, but the timeliness of the divestiture(s) is paramount. If
the Divestiture Trustee 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 the appointment of the Divestiture Trustee, the United
States may, in its sole discretion, take appropriate action, including
making a recommendation to the Court. The Divestiture Trustee shall,
within three (3) business days of hiring any other agents or
consultants, 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 in accomplishing the required divestiture(s). The
Divestiture Trustee and any agents or consultants retained by the
Divestiture Trustee shall have full and complete access to the
personnel, books, records, and facilities of the business to be
divested, and Defendants shall provide or develop financial and other
information relevant to such business as the Divestiture Trustee may
reasonably request, subject to reasonable protection for trade secrets
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 its appointment, the Divestiture Trustee shall file
monthly reports with the United States and, as appropriate, the Court
setting forth the Divestiture Trustee's efforts to accomplish the
divestiture(s) ordered under this Final Judgment. To the extent such
reports contain information that the Divestiture Trustee deems
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 Assets, and shall describe in detail each
contact with any such person. The Divestiture Trustee shall maintain
full records of all efforts made to divest any of the Divestiture
Assets.
G. If the Divestiture Trustee has not accomplished the divestitures
ordered under this Final Judgment within six months after its
appointment, the Divestiture Trustee shall promptly file with the Court
a report setting forth (1) the Divestiture Trustee's efforts to
accomplish the required divestiture, (2) the reasons, in the
Divestiture Trustee's judgment, why the required divestiture has not
been accomplished, and (3) the Divestiture Trustee's recommendations.
To the extent such report contain information that the Divestiture
Trustee deems confidential, such report shall not be filed in the
public docket of the Court. The Divestiture Trustee shall at the same
time furnish such report to the 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 has
ceased to act or failed to act diligently or in a reasonably cost-
effective manner, the United States may recommend the Court appoint a
substitute Divestiture Trustee.
VII. NOTICE OF PROPOSED DIVESTITURE
A. Within two (2) business days following execution of a definitive
divestiture agreement, Defendants or the Divestiture Trustee, whichever
is then
[[Page 52550]]
responsible for effecting the divestitures required herein, shall
notify the United States of any proposed divestiture required by
Sections IV, V or VI of this Final Judgment. If the Divestiture Trustee
is responsible, it shall similarly notify Defendants. The notice shall
set forth the details of the proposed divestiture(s) 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 Assets, together with full
details of the same.
B. Within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt by the United
States of such notice, the United States may request from Defendants,
the proposed Acquirer(s), any other third party, or the Divestiture
Trustee, if applicable, additional information concerning the proposed
divestiture, the proposed Acquirer(s), and any other potential
Acquirer. Defendants and the Divestiture Trustee shall furnish any
additional information requested 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(s), any third party, and the Divestiture Trustee,
whichever is later, the United States shall provide written notice to
Defendants and the Divestiture Trustee, if there is one, stating
whether or not it objects to the proposed divestiture. If the United
States provides written notice that it does not object, the 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(s) or upon objection by the United States, a divestiture
proposed under Sections 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, Section V, or Section VI of this Final
Judgment.
IX. HOLD SEPARATE
Until the divestitures required by this Final Judgment have been
accomplished, Defendants shall take all steps necessary to comply with
the Hold Separate Stipulation and Order entered by the Court.
Defendants shall take no action that would jeopardize the divestitures
ordered by the 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 Sections IV, V, or VI,
Defendants shall deliver to the United States an affidavit, signed by
UTC's Executive Vice President, Operations & Strategy and General
Counsel, and Rockwell Collins' Chief Financial Officer and General
Counsel, which shall describe the fact and manner of Defendants'
compliance with Sections IV, V 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
divestiture has been completed.
XI. COMPLIANCE INSPECTION
A. For the purposes of determining or securing compliance with this
Final Judgment, or of any related orders such as any Hold Separate
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, including agents and consultants 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
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
Section XI shall be divulged by the United States to any person other
than an authorized representative of the executive branch of the United
States, except in the course of legal proceedings to which the United
States is a party (including grand jury proceedings), for the purpose
of securing compliance with this Final Judgment, or as otherwise
required by law.
D. If at the time that Defendants furnish information or documents
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
[[Page 52551]]
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).
XII. NOTIFICATION
A. Unless such transaction is otherwise subject to the reporting
and waiting period requirements of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 18a (the ``HSR
Act''), Defendants, without providing advance notification to the
United States, shall not directly or indirectly acquire any assets of
or any interest in, including any financial, security, loan, equity, or
management interest, any business in the global pneumatic ice
protection market valued over $25 million during the term of this Final
Judgment.
B. Such notification shall be provided to the United States in the
same format as, and per the instructions relating to, the Notification
and Report Form set forth in the Appendix to Part 803 of Title 16 of
the Code of Federal Regulations as amended, except that the information
requested in Items 5 through 8 of the instructions must be provided
only about pneumatic ice protection systems. Notification shall be
provided at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to acquiring any such
interest, and shall include, beyond what may be required by the
applicable instructions, the names of the principal representatives of
the parties to the agreement who negotiated the agreement, and any
management or strategic plans discussing the proposed transaction. If
within the 30-day period after notification, representatives of the
United States make a written request for additional information,
Defendants shall not consummate the proposed transaction or agreement
until thirty (30) calendar days after submitting all such additional
information. Early termination of the waiting periods in this Paragraph
may be requested and, where appropriate, granted in the same manner as
is applicable under the requirements and provisions of the HSR Act and
rules promulgated thereunder. Section XII shall be broadly construed
and any ambiguity or uncertainty regarding the filing of notice under
Section XII shall be resolved in favor of filing notice.
XIII. NO REACQUISITION
Defendants may not reacquire any part of the Divestiture Assets
during the term of this Final Judgment. The Acquirer of the Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets may not acquire from Defendants during
the term of this Final Judgment any assets or businesses that compete
with the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets. The Acquirer of the THSA
Divestiture Assets may not acquire from Defendants during the term of
this Final Judgment any assets or businesses that compete with the THSA
Divestiture Assets.
XIV. RETENTION OF JURISDICTION
The Court retains jurisdiction to enable any party to this Final
Judgment to apply to the 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. ENFORCEMENT OF FINAL JUDGMENT
A. The United States retains and reserves all rights to enforce the
provisions of this Final Judgment, including the right to seek an order
of contempt from the Court. Defendants agree that in any civil contempt
action, any motion to show cause, or any similar action brought by the
United States regarding an alleged violation of this Final Judgment,
the United States may establish a violation of the decree and the
appropriateness of any remedy therefor by a preponderance of the
evidence, and Defendants waive any argument that a different standard
of proof should apply.
B. The Final Judgment should be interpreted to give full effect to
the procompetitive purposes of the antitrust laws and to restore all
competition harmed by the challenged conduct. Defendants agree that
they may be held in contempt of, and that the Court may enforce, any
provision of this Final Judgment that, as interpreted by the Court in
light of these procompetitive principles and applying ordinary tools of
interpretation, is stated specifically and in reasonable detail,
whether or not it is clear and unambiguous on its face. In any such
interpretation, the terms of this Final Judgment should not be
construed against either party as the drafter.
C. In any enforcement proceeding in which the Court finds that
Defendants have violated this Final Judgment, the United States may
apply to the Court for a one-time extension of this Final Judgment,
together with such other relief as may be appropriate. In connection
with any successful effort by the United States to enforce this Final
Judgment against a Defendant, whether litigated or resolved prior to
litigation, that Defendant agrees to reimburse the United States for
the fees and expenses of its attorneys, as well as any other costs
including experts' fees, incurred in connection with that enforcement
effort, including in the investigation of the potential violation.
XVI. EXPIRATION OF FINAL JUDGMENT
Unless the Court grants an extension, this Final Judgment shall
expire ten (10) years from the date of its entry, except that after
five (5) years from the date of its entry, this Final Judgment may be
terminated upon notice by the United States to the Court and Defendants
that the divestitures have been completed and that the continuation of
the Final Judgment no longer is necessary or in the public interest.
XVII. 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. Sec. 16, including making copies available to
the public of this Final Judgment, the Competitive Impact Statement,
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 responses to comments filed with
the Court, entry of this Final Judgment is in the public interest.
Date:------------------------------------------------------------------
Court approval subject to procedures of Antitrust Procedures and
Penalties Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 16:
Date:------------------------------------------------------------------
United States District Judge
United States District Court For The District of Columbia
United States of America, Plaintiff, v. United Technologies
Corporation, and Rockwell Collins, Inc., Defendants.
Case No.: 1:18-cv-02279-RC
JUDGE: Rudolph Contreras
Deck Type: Antitrust
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. Sec. 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
On September 4, 2017, Defendants United Technologies Corporation
[[Page 52552]]
(``UTC'') and Rockwell Collins, Inc. (``Rockwell Collins'') entered
into an agreement whereby UTC proposes to acquire Rockwell Collins for
approximately $30 billion. The United States filed a civil antitrust
Complaint against UTC and Rockwell Collins on October 1, 2018, seeking
to enjoin the proposed acquisition. The Complaint alleges that the
proposed acquisition likely would substantially lessen competition in
violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 18, in the
worldwide markets for the development, manufacture, and sale of
pneumatic ice protection systems for fixed-wing aircraft (``aircraft'')
and trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators (``THSAs'') for large
aircraft. That loss of competition likely would result in increased
prices, less favorable contractual terms, and decreased innovation in
the markets for these products.
Concurrent with the filing of the Complaint, the United States
filed a Hold Separate Stipulation and Order (``Hold Separate'') and
proposed Final Judgment, which are designed to eliminate the
anticompetitive effects that would have resulted from UTC's acquisition
of Rockwell Collins. Under the proposed Final Judgment, which is
explained more fully below, Defendants are required to divest assets
relating to Rockwell Collins' pneumatic ice protection systems business
and its THSA business. Under the Hold Separate, Defendants will take
certain steps to ensure that the businesses will operate as
competitively independent, economically viable and ongoing business
concerns, that will remain independent and uninfluenced by the
consummation of the acquisition, and that competition is maintained
during the pendency of the ordered divestiture.
The United States 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 Final Judgment and to punish violations thereof.
II. DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENTS GIVING RISE TO THE ALLEGED VIOLATIONS
A. The Defendants
UTC is incorporated in Delaware and has its headquarters in
Farmington, Connecticut. UTC produces a wide range of products for the
aerospace industry and other industries, including, among other
products, pneumatic ice protection systems for aircraft and THSAs for
large aircraft. In 2017, UTC had sales of approximately $59.8 billion.
Rockwell Collins is incorporated in Delaware and is headquartered
in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Rockwell Collins is a major provider of
aerospace and defense electronics systems. Rockwell Collins produces,
among other products, pneumatic ice protection systems for aircraft and
THSAs for large aircraft. In fiscal year 2017, Rockwell Collins had
sales of approximately $6.8 billion.
B. Pneumatic Ice Protection Systems for Aircraft
1. Background
During flight, ice can accumulate on an aircraft's leading edge
surfaces, such as the part of the aircraft's wings that first contact
the air during flight. Surface ice accumulation affects an aircraft's
maneuverability, increases drag, and decreases lift. If it remains
untreated, surface ice accumulation can lead to a catastrophic flight
event.
A pneumatic ice protection system is engineered to remove
accumulated ice on an aircraft's wings. Such a system consists of two
main elements, a de-icing boot, which is inflated to crack ice off an
aircraft leading edge, and pneumatic system hardware. The pneumatic
system hardware consists of equipment designed to control the flow of
air into the de-icing boot.
Pneumatic ice protection systems are one form of ice protection
technology. The specific design features of an aircraft, such as the
availability of electrical power, determine which type of ice
protection system will be used on the aircraft. Once an aircraft
manufacturer has selected a particular pneumatic ice protection system,
that system is certified as an Original Equipment Manufacturer
(``OEM'') part for flight worthiness as a part of the aircraft's
manufacturing design. Aircraft manufacturers generally only certify one
supplier for ice protection systems for a particular aircraft model.
Pneumatic ice protection systems, and components thereof, are also
sold in the aftermarket, as their components require repair or
replacement after significant use. Most of the revenues related to
pneumatic ice protection systems are derived from aftermarket sales.
Although generally only one particular pneumatic ice protection system
is certified with the aircraft model as original equipment, pneumatic
ice protection system suppliers often procure additional certifications
that allow their pneumatic ice protection system components to replace
their competitors' OEM pneumatic ice protection system in the
aftermarket.
Because surface ice accumulation may lead to a catastrophic flight
event, pneumatic ice protection systems are considered critical flight
components. An aircraft manufacturer or aftermarket purchaser is
therefore likely to prefer proven suppliers of pneumatic ice protection
systems.
2. Relevant Markets
Pneumatic ice protection systems for aircraft are a relevant
product market and line of commerce under Section 7 of the Clayton Act.
Ice protection systems are selected at the aircraft design stage based
on the characteristics of the aircraft. Pneumatic ice protection
systems have numerous attributes (light weight, low cost, and low power
requirements) that make them an attractive option for aircraft
manufacturers of aircraft with certain design requirements. Certain
aircraft models can use only pneumatic ice protection systems. For
these customers that produce those models, pneumatic ice protection
systems are the best option, as such customers cannot effectively use
other types of ice protection systems such as an electrothermal or
bleed air ice protection system.
Once an aircraft is certified, switching the ice protection system
on a particular model of aircraft to a different type of ice protection
system, even if technologically feasible, would require some re-design
of the ice protection portion of the aircraft and recertification of
the aircraft. Such re-design and recertification may cost millions of
dollars, require additional flight testing, and consume multiple years
of time. Therefore, a small but significant increase in the price of
pneumatic ice protection systems would not cause customers of those ice
protection systems to substitute an alternative type of ice protection
system for the original aircraft or in the aftermarket in volumes
sufficient to make such a price increase unprofitable.
Although the pneumatic ice protection system installed on each type
of aircraft may be deemed a separate product market, in each such
market there are few competitors. The proposed acquisition of Rockwell
Collins by UTC would affect competition for each aircraft pneumatic ice
protection system in the same manner. It is therefore appropriate to
aggregate pneumatic ice protection markets for purposes of analyzing
the effects of the acquisition.
The relevant geographic market for pneumatic ice protection systems
for aircraft is worldwide. Pneumatic ice
[[Page 52553]]
protection systems are marketed internationally and may be sourced
economically from suppliers globally. Transportation costs are a small
proportion of the cost of the finished product and thus are not a major
factor in supplier selection.
3. Anticompetitive Effects
There are only three competitors in the market for the development,
manufacture, and sale of pneumatic ice protection systems for aircraft.
These three firms are the only sources for both OEM systems and
aftermarket systems and parts. Based on historical sales results, a
combined UTC-Rockwell Collins would control a majority share of OEM and
aftermarket sales. Therefore, UTC's acquisition of Rockwell Collins
would significantly increase concentration in an already highly
concentrated market.
UTC and Rockwell Collins compete directly on price. In some cases,
one of the companies has replaced the other's pneumatic ice protection
system or components thereof on a particular aircraft.
Customers have benefited from the competition between UTC and
Rockwell Collins for sales of pneumatic ice protection systems by
receiving lower prices, more favorable contractual terms, and shorter
delivery times. The combination of UTC and Rockwell Collins would
eliminate this competition and its future benefits to customers.
Therefore, post-acquisition, UTC likely would have the incentive and
the ability to increase prices profitably and offer less favorable
contractual terms, resulting in significant harm to aircraft
manufacturers and aftermarket customers that require pneumatic ice
protection systems.
4. Difficulty of Entry
Sufficient, timely entry of additional competitors into the markets
for pneumatic ice protection systems is unlikely to prevent the harm to
competition that is likely to result if the proposed acquisition is
consummated. The small size of the market makes it difficult for new
entrants to recover the cost of entry, which is high in part due to the
costs of obtaining certification for new equipment. In addition,
opportunities to enter are rare, as new aircraft designs are themselves
quite infrequent. Moreover, aircraft manufacturers, operators, and
servicers are hesitant to purchase aircraft components from newer
suppliers, particularly for critical flight components like ice
protection systems.
Pneumatic ice protection systems generally are not built by
aircraft manufacturers, in part because pneumatic technology tends to
be complicated and technically different from other aircraft systems.
As a result, aircraft manufacturers are unlikely to move production of
such systems in-house in response to a price increase.
C. Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Actuators for Large Aircraft
1. Background
Actuators are responsible for the proper in-flight positions of an
aircraft by manipulating the ``control surfaces'' on its wings and tail
section. A trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (``THSA'') helps an
aircraft maintain the proper altitude during flight by adjusting
(``trimming'') the angle of the horizontal stabilizer, the control
surface of the aircraft's tail responsible for aircraft pitch.
THSAs vary based on the size and type of the aircraft on which they
are used. Because large aircraft encounter significantly higher
aerodynamic loads than smaller aircraft, THSAs for large aircraft are
considerably larger, more complex, and more expensive than those used
on smaller aircraft. Large aircraft primarily include commercial
aircraft that seat at least six passengers abreast, such as the Airbus
A320 and A350 and the Boeing 737 and 787, and military transport
aircraft.
2. Relevant Markets
THSAs for large aircraft do not have technical substitutes. Large
aircraft manufacturers cannot switch to THSAs for smaller aircraft, or
actuators for other aircraft control surfaces, because those products
cannot adequately control the lift and manage the load encountered by
the horizontal stabilizer of a large aircraft. A small but significant
increase in the price of THSAs for large aircraft would not cause
aircraft manufacturers to substitute THSAs designed for smaller
aircraft or actuators for other control surfaces in volumes sufficient
to make such a price increase unprofitable. Accordingly, THSAs for
large aircraft are a relevant product market and line of commerce under
Section 7 of the Clayton Act.
The relevant geographic market for THSAs for large aircraft is
worldwide. THSAs for large aircraft are marketed internationally and
may be sourced economically from suppliers globally. Transportation
costs are a small proportion of the cost of the finished product and
thus are not a major factor in supplier selection.
3. Anticompetitive Effects
UTC and Rockwell Collins are each other's closest competitors for
THSAs for large aircraft. UTC and Rockwell Collins have won two of the
most significant recent contract awards for THSAs for large aircraft:
the Boeing 777X and the Airbus A350. Boeing and Airbus are the world's
largest manufacturers of passenger aircraft, and these aircraft
represent two of the only three THSA awards by these manufacturers in
this century. While there are other producers of THSAs for large
aircraft, those firms tend to concentrate most of their THSA business
on smaller aircraft, such as business jets or regional jets, or focus
on products for other aircraft control surfaces.
UTC and Rockwell Collins each view the other firm as the most
significant competitive threat for THSAs for large aircraft. The two
companies are among the few that have demonstrated experience in
designing and producing THSAs for large aircraft. Each firm considers
the other company's offering when planning bids.
Customers have benefitted from the competition between UTC and
Rockwell Collins for sales of THSAs for large aircraft by receiving
lower prices, more favorable contractual terms, more innovative
products, and shorter delivery times. The combination of UTC and
Rockwell Collins would eliminate this competition and its future
benefits to customers. Post-acquisition, UTC likely would have the
incentive and the ability to increase prices profitably and offer less
favorable contractual terms.
UTC and Rockwell Collins also invest significantly to remain
leading suppliers of new THSAs for large aircraft, and customers expect
them to remain leading suppliers of new products in the future. The
combination of UTC and Rockwell Collins would likely eliminate this
competition, depriving large aircraft customers of the benefit of
future innovation and product development.
4. Difficulty of Entry
Sufficient, timely entry of additional competitors into the market
for THSAs for large aircraft is unlikely to prevent the harm to
competition that is likely to result if the proposed transaction is
consummated. Opportunities to enter are limited. Because certification
of a THSA is expensive and time-consuming, once a THSA is certified for
a particular aircraft type it is rarely replaced in the aftermarket by
a different THSA. Accordingly, competition between suppliers of THSAs
generally occurs only when an
[[Page 52554]]
aircraft manufacturer is designing a new aircraft or an upgraded
version of an existing aircraft. New designs for large aircraft are
infrequent, as development costs for such aircraft can amount to tens
of billions of dollars. As a result, several years usually pass between
contract awards for THSAs for a new aircraft design.
Potential entrants face several additional obstacles. First,
manufacturers of large aircraft are more likely to purchase THSAs from
those firms already supplying THSAs for other large aircraft. The
important connection between THSAs and aircraft safety drives aircraft
manufacturers toward suppliers experienced with production of THSAs of
the relevant type and size. While some companies may have demonstrated
experience in THSAs for smaller aircraft or in other actuators, such
experience is not considered by customers to be as relevant as
experience in THSAs for large aircraft. A new entrant would face
significant costs and time to be considered as a potential alternative
to the existing suppliers.
Developing a THSA for large aircraft is technically difficult.
Manufacturers of THSAs for smaller aircraft face significant technical
hurdles in designing and developing THSAs for large aircraft. As
aerodynamic loads are a major design consideration for THSAs, and such
loads are tightly correlated with the size of the aircraft, THSAs for
large aircraft present more demanding technical challenges than those
for smaller aircraft.
Substantial time and significant financial investment would be
required for a company to design and develop a THSA for large aircraft.
Companies that already make other types of THSAs would require years of
effort and an investment of many millions of dollars to develop a
product that is competitive with those offered by existing large
aircraft THSA suppliers.
As a result of these barriers, entry into the market for THSAs for
large aircraft would not be timely, likely, or sufficient to defeat the
substantial lessening of competition that likely would result from
UTC's acquisition of Rockwell Collins.
III. EXPLANATION OF THE PROPOSED FINAL JUDGMENT
The divestitures required by the proposed Final Judgment will
eliminate the anticompetitive effects that likely would result from
UTC's acquisition of Rockwell Collins. The assets must be divested in
such a way as to satisfy the United States in its sole discretion that
the assets can and will be operated by the purchaser as a viable,
ongoing business that can compete effectively in the relevant market.
Defendants must take all reasonable steps necessary to accomplish the
divestitures quickly and shall cooperate with prospective purchasers.
A. Divestitures
1. Pneumatic Ice Protection Systems for Aircraft
a. The Divestiture
The proposed Final Judgment requires Defendants to divest Rockwell
Collins' SMR Technologies division, including Rockwell Collins'
business in the development, manufacture, and sale of pneumatic ice
protection systems and other ice protection products (the ``Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets'') to an Acquirer acceptable to the
United States, in its sole discretion.\1\ The assets to be divested
include Rockwell Collins' facility located in Fenwick, West Virginia,
and all tangible and intangible assets primarily related to the ice
protection business. The divestiture of the ice protection business
will provide the Acquirer with all the assets it needs to successfully
develop, manufacture, and sell pneumatic ice protection systems for
aircraft.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ In addition to pneumatic ice protection systems, the Ice
Protection Divestiture Assets include other ice protection products,
fueling systems and other industrial products, hovercraft skirts,
composites, and commercial aviation products.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paragraph IV(A) of the proposed Final Judgment requires Defendants
to divest the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets as a viable ongoing
business within the later of five (5) calendar days after notice of
entry of this Final Judgment by the Court or fifteen (15) calendar days
after Required Regulatory Approvals have been received.
b. Transition Services Agreement
To facilitate the Acquirer's immediate use of the Ice Protection
Divestiture Assets, the proposed Final Judgment provides the Acquirer
with the option to enter into a transition services agreement with
Defendants to obtain back office and information technology services
and support for the Ice Protection Divestiture Assets for a period of
up to twelve (12) months. The United States, in its sole discretion,
may approve one or more extensions of this agreement for a total of up
to an additional twelve (12) months.
2. THSAs for Large Aircraft
a. The Divestiture
The proposed Final Judgment requires Defendants to divest Rockwell
Collins' business in the design, development, manufacture, sale,
service, or distribution of THSAs (the ``THSA Divestiture Assets'') to
an Acquirer acceptable to the United States, in its sole discretion.\2\
Because the assets are distributed among multiple sites in two
countries, the United States required an upfront buyer to provide
additional certainty that the transition can be accomplished without
disruption to the business. The United States has approved Safran S.A.
as the Acquirer. Safran S.A. is an established aerospace industry
supplier.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ In addition to THSAs for large aircraft, the THSA
Divestiture Assets also include legacy flap actuation, nose wheel
steering gear boxes, and pilot control systems, including center
yokes, rudder brake pedal units, throttle quadrant assemblies, auto-
throttles, and control stand modules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The assets to be divested include two Rockwell Collins' facilities
(Building 518 in Irvine, California and Building 1 in Mexicali,
Mexico), and, at the option of the Acquirer, three additional
facilities (Building 517 in Irvine, Building 2 in Mexicali, and
Building 213 in Melbourne, Florida). The option of acquiring the latter
three facilities is designed to allow the Acquirer to consolidate
facilities if needed. The THSA Divestiture Assets also include all
tangible and intangible assets primarily related to or necessary for
the operation of the THSA business. Regardless of whether particular
assets have been primarily used for the THSA business, all assets
necessary to successfully develop, manufacture, and sell THSAs must be
conveyed with the divestiture.
The proposed Final Judgment provides that, at the option of the
Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets, and subject to the review and
approval of the United States, Building 518 may be transferred via a
sublease in lieu of a divestiture. Rockwell Collins currently holds a
single lease on Buildings 517 and 518, and this provision allows the
Acquirer to use Building 518 without assuming responsibility for both
properties.
In addition, Defendants are required to use reasonable best efforts
to obtain approvals required from United States government customers
for the transfer of certain proprietary contracts. If the necessary
approvals cannot be obtained, Defendants may retain those contracts and
portions thereof that cannot be subcontracted to the Acquirer, as well
as those tangible and intangible assets that have been used exclusively
in the performance of those contracts.
Paragraph V(A) of the proposed Final Judgment requires Defendants
to divest the THSA Divestiture Assets as a viable ongoing business
within the later of five
[[Page 52555]]
(5) calendar days after notice of entry of this Final Judgment by the
Court or fifteen (15) calendar days after Required Regulatory Approvals
have been received.
b. Transition Services Agreement and Transition Obligation
To facilitate the transfer of the divestiture assets between
facilities without a supply interruption, the proposed Final Judgment
provides the Acquirer of the THSA Divestiture Assets with the option to
enter into a transition services agreement with Defendants to obtain
services related to facility management and upkeep, facility and asset
transition, government compliance, accounting and finance, information
technology and human resources for the THSA Divestiture Assets for a
period of up to twelve (12) months. The United States, in its sole
discretion, may approve one or more extensions of this agreement for a
total of up to an additional twelve (12) months. Defendants must use
their best efforts to assist the Acquirer with the transition of the
THSA Divestiture Assets to locations of the Acquirer's choosing and to
not impede that transition.
c. Supply Agreement
Under the proposed Final Judgment, the Acquirer of the THSA
Divestiture Assets has the option to obtain a supply agreement from
Defendants to provide services related to the manufacture of THSA
components in Melbourne, Florida and Cedar Rapids, Iowa sufficient to
meet all or part of the Acquirer's needs for a period of up to twelve
months. The United States, in its sole discretion, may approve one or
more extensions of this agreement for a total of up to an additional
twelve (12) months. This supply agreement may be necessary to permit
the Acquirer to fill existing orders during the time period that
manufacturing is being transitioned to other facilities. This is
necessary due to the extended manufacturing process and the long lead
time required for many components, and acceptable given that these
assets will be dedicated to filling existing contracts that are
unlikely to be subject to competition during the pendency of this
supply agreement.
B. Other Provisions
1. Use of Divestiture Trustee
In the event that Defendants do not accomplish the divestitures
within the specified time periods, 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 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 are appropriate to carry out the purpose of the trust,
including extending the trust or the term of the trustee's appointment.
2. Prohibition on Reacquisition
Section XIII of the proposed Final Judgment prohibits Defendants
from reacquiring any part of the Divestiture Assets during the term of
the Final Judgment. In addition, this section prohibits an Acquirer
from acquiring from Defendants during the term of the Final Judgment
any assets or businesses that compete with the assets acquired by that
Acquirer.
3. Notification
Section XII of the proposed Final Judgment requires Defendants to
provide notification to the Antitrust Division of certain proposed
acquisitions not otherwise subject to filing under the Hart-Scott-
Rodino Act, 15 U.S.C. 18a (the ``HSR Act'') in the format and pursuant
to the instructions provided under that statute for notification. The
notification requirement applies in the case of any direct or indirect
acquisitions of any assets of or interest in any entity engaged in the
development, manufacture, or sale of pneumatic ice protection systems
valued over $25 million. Section XII further provides for waiting
periods and opportunities for the United States to obtain additional
information similar to the provisions of the HSR Act before such
acquisitions can be consummated.
4. Compliance and Enforcement Provisions
The proposed Final Judgment also contains provisions designed to
promote compliance and make the enforcement of Division consent decrees
as effective as possible. Paragraph XV(A) provides that the United
States retains and reserves all rights to enforce the provisions of the
proposed Final Judgment, including its rights to seek an order of
contempt from the Court. Under the terms of this paragraph, Defendants
have agreed that in any civil contempt action, any motion to show
cause, or any similar action brought by the United States regarding an
alleged violation of the Final Judgment, the United States may
establish the violation and the appropriateness of any remedy by a
preponderance of the evidence and that Defendants have waived any
argument that a different standard of proof should apply. This
provision aligns the standard for compliance obligations with the
standard of proof that applies to the underlying offense that the
compliance commitments address.
Paragraph XV(B) provides additional clarification regarding the
interpretation of the provisions of the proposed Final Judgment. The
proposed Final Judgment was drafted to restore all competition that
would otherwise be harmed by the merger. Defendants agree that they
will abide by the proposed Final Judgment, and that they may be held in
contempt of this Court for failing to comply with any provision of the
proposed Final Judgment that is stated specifically and in reasonable
detail, as interpreted in light of this procompetitive purpose.
Paragraph XV(C) further provides that should the Court find in an
enforcement proceeding that Defendants have violated the Final
Judgment, the United States may apply to the Court for a one-time
extension of the Final Judgment, together with such other relief as may
be appropriate. In addition, in order to compensate American taxpayers
for any costs associated with the investigation and enforcement of
violations of the proposed Final Judgment, in any successful effort by
the United States to enforce the Final Judgment against a Defendant,
whether litigated or resolved prior to litigation, that Defendant
agrees to reimburse the United States for attorneys' fees, experts'
fees, or costs incurred in connection with any enforcement effort,
including the investigation of the potential violation.
Finally, Section XVI provides that the Final Judgment shall expire
ten years from the date of its entry, except that after five years from
the date of its entry, the Final Judgment may be terminated upon notice
by the United States to the Court and Defendants that the divestitures
have been completed and that the continuation of the Final Judgment is
no longer necessary or in the public interest.
IV. REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO POTENTIAL PRIVATE LITIGANTS
Section 4 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 15, provides that any
person
[[Page 52556]]
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. Sec. 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 United States 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 website, and, under certain
circumstances, published in the Federal Register.
Written comments should be submitted to:
Maribeth Petrizzi, Chief, Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace
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 United States considered, as an alternative to the proposed
Final Judgment, a full trial on the merits against Defendants. The
United States could have continued the litigation and sought
preliminary and permanent injunctions preventing UTC's acquisition of
Rockwell Collins. The United States is satisfied, however, that the
divestiture of the assets described in the proposed Final Judgment will
preserve competition for the development, manufacture, and sale of
pneumatic ice protection systems for aircraft and THSAs for large
aircraft. Thus, the proposed Final Judgment would achieve all or
substantially all of the relief the United States 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. Sec. 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. Sec. 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 the mechanism to enforce
the final judgment are clear and manageable.'').\3\
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\3\ 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.
Sec. 16(e) (2004), with 15 U.S.C. Sec. 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).
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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
[[Page 52557]]
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).\4\ 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).
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\4\ 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''').
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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.\5\ A court can make its public
interest determination based on the competitive impact statement and
response to public comments alone. U.S. Airways, 38 F. Supp. 3d at 75.
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\5\ 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.'').
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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: October 10, 2018
Respectfully submitted,
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SOYOUNG CHOE *
Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace Section, Antitrust Division, 450
Fifth Street NW, Suite 8700, Washington, DC 20530, Telephone: (202)
598-2436, Facsimile: (202) 514-9033, [email protected]
* Attorney of Record
[FR Doc. 2018-22555 Filed 10-16-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-11-P