US: Senator urges DOJ to scrutinize Tyson, Hillshire merger

Senator Chuck Grassley has reportedly sent a letter to the US Department of Justice urging the regulatory to take a close look at the proposed merger between Tyson Foods and Hillshire Brands.

According to reports, the Iowa Senator told the DOJ that small producers have visited his office to express concern over the deal, specifically to voice fears that the merged company could practice so-called “tie-in” sales that will place smaller rivals at a disadvantage.

Senator Grassley is now urging the DOJ to pay particular attention to how the acquisition of Hillshire will impact the pork industry.

Grassley, who is a member of the Senate judiciary antitrust committee, sent the letter to the DOJ’s Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division William Baer on Monday. Tyson and Hillshire agreed on a $6.6 billion merger announced in May after Tyson engaged in a bidding war for the assets against Pilgrim’s Pride.

Full content: The City Wire

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