The Federal Trade Commission has withdrawn its acceptance of a proposed consent order that would have required energy company Energy Transfer Equity, L.P., to divest assets in settlement of charges that its proposed acquisition of The Williams Companies would likely harm competition. For reasons unrelated to the Commission’s investigation or the proposed order, ETE terminated its merger agreement with Williams.
According to the FTC’s complaint, the merger – had the parties gone forward with the transaction – would have reduced competition in the market for “firm,” i.e., guaranteed pipeline capacity to deliver natural gas to points within the Florida peninsula.
The Commission vote to close the investigation into the transaction, withdraw acceptance of the consent order, and not issue a final order was 3-0. (FTC File No. 151 0172; the staff contact is Brian J. Telpner, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2782)
The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about how competition benefits consumers or file an antitrust complaint. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.
WASHINGTON—The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today released enforcement actions taken against…
As Prepared for Delivery Good afternoon. It’s an honor to welcome President Clinton to Treasury today…
WASHINGTON – Today, as part of the 30th anniversary celebration of the Community Development Financial…
Treasury imposes sanctions on dozens of Russian banks, securities registrars, and finance officials; OFAC issues…
WASHINGTON—Acting Comptroller Michael J. Hsu today testified on the state of the federal banking system…
As Prepared for Delivery Thank you very much for the opportunity to be here today, and…