[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 157 (Tuesday, August 15, 1995)] [Notices] [Pages 42164-42168] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 95-20142] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION [File No. 931-0121] Mustad International Group NV and Mustad Connecticut, Inc.; Proposed Consent Agreement With Analysis to Aid Public Comment AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission. ACTION: Proposed consent agreement. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In settlement of alleged violations of federal law prohibiting unfair acts and practices and unfair methods of competition, this consent agreement, accepted subject to final Commission approval, would require a Bulle, Switzerland-based company and its Bloomfield, Connecticut-based subsidiary to divest assets or technology in its manufacture and sale of roll horseshoe nails. DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 16, 1995. ADDRESSES: Comments should be directed to: FTC/Office of the Secretary, Room 159, 6th St. and Pa. Ave NW., Washington, DC 20580. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Howard Morse, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission, S-3627, 6th Street & Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20580. (202) 326- 2949. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to Section 6(f) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 38 Stat. 721, 15 U.S.C. 46 and Section 2.34 of the Commission's Rules of Practice (16 CFR 2.34), notice is hereby given that the following consent agreement containing a consent order to cease and desist, having been filed with and accepted, subject to final approval, by the Commission, has been placed on the public record for a period of sixty (60) days. Public comment is invited. Such comments or views will be considered by the Commission and will be available for inspection and copying at its principal office in accordance with Section 4.9(b)(6)(ii) of the Commission's Rules of Practice (16 CFR 4.9(b)(6)(ii)). Agreement Containing Consent Order The Federal Trade Commission (``Commission'') having initiated an investigation of acquisitions by Mustad Connecticut, Inc. (``Mustad Connecticut'') and Mustad International Group NV (``Mustad Group'') of the horseshoe nail assets of Capewell Manufacturing Company, the assets of Cooper Horseshoe Nail Co., Ltd., a majority interest in Emcoclavos S.A., and the horseshoe nail assets of Sterward Engineering Company, Ltd., and it now appearing that Mustad Connecticut and Mustad Group, hereinafter sometimes referred to as ``proposed respondents,'' are willing to enter into an agreement containing an order to divest certain assets and to cease and desist from making certain acquisitions, and providing for other relief. It is hereby agreed by and between proposed respondents, by their duly authorized officers and attorney, and counsel for the Commission that: 1. Proposed respondent Mustad Connecticut, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mustad International Group NV, is a corporation organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Connecticut, with its principal place of business at 1395 Blue Hills Avenue, Bloomfield, Connecticut 06002. 2. Proposed respondent Mustad Group is a corporation organized, existing, and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of the Netherlands Antilles with its principal place of business at St. Pierhalsteeg 5, NL-1012 GL Amsterdam. 3. Proposed respondents admit all the jurisdictional facts set forth in the draft of complaint. 4. Proposed respondents waive: (a) any further procedural steps; (b) the requirement that the Commission's decision contain a statement of findings of fact and conclusions of laws; (c) all rights to seek judicial review or otherwise to challenge or contest the validity of the order entered pursuant to this agreement; and (d) any claim under the Equal Access to Justice Act. 5. This agreement shall not become part of the public record of the proceedings unless and until it is accepted by the Commission. If this agreement is accepted by the Commission it, together with the draft of complaint contemplated thereby, will be placed on the public record for a period of sixty (60) days and information in respect thereto publicly released. The Commission thereafter may either withdraw its acceptance of this agreement and so notify the proposed respondents, in which event it will take such action as it may consider appropriate, or issue and serve its complaint (in such form as the circumstances may require) and decision, in disposition of the proceeding. 6. This agreement is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission by proposed respondents that the law has been violated as alleged in the draft of complaint, or that the facts as alleged in the draft complaint, other than jurisdictional facts, are true. 7. This agreement contemplates that, if it is accepted by the Commission, and if such acceptance is not subsequently withdrawn by the Commission pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.34 of the Commission's Rules, the Commission may, without further notice to proposed respondents, (1) issue its complaint corresponding in form and substance with the draft of complaint and its decision containing the following order to divest, license, and cease and desist in disposition of the proceeding, and (2) make information public with respect [[Page 42165]] thereto. When so entered, the order shall have the same force and effect and may be altered, modified, or set aside in the same manner and within the same time provided by statute for other orders. The order shall become final upon service. Delivery by the United States Postal Service of the complaint and decision containing the agreed-to order to proposed respondents' or to their counsel's addresses as stated in this agreement shall constitute service. Proposed respondents waive any right they may have to any other manner of service. The complaint may be used in construing the terms of the order, and no agreement, understanding, representation, or interpretation not contained in the order or the agreement may be used to vary or contradict the terms of the order. 8. Proposed respondents have read the proposed complaint and order contemplated hereby. Proposed respondents understand that once the order has been issued, they will be required to file one or more compliance reports showing they have fully complied with the order. Proposed respondents further understand that they may be liable for civil penalties in the amount provided by law for each violation of the order after it becomes final. Order I It is ordered that, as used in this order, the following definitions shall apply: A. ``Mustad Connecticut'' means Mustad Connecticut, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Mustad International Group NV, its predecessors, subsidiaries, divisions, and groups and affiliates controlled by Mustad Connecticut, their successors and assigns, and their directors, officers, employees, agents and representatives. B. ``Mustad Group'' means Mustad International Group NV, its predecessors, subsidiaries, divisions, and groups and affiliates controlled by Mustad Group, their successors and assigns, and their directors, officers, employees, agents and representatives. C. ``Respondents'' or ``Mustad'' means Mustad Connecticut and Mustad Group. D. ``Acquisitions'' means the acquisitions by Mustad of the assets of Cooper Horseshoe Nail Co., Ltd.; stock of Emcoclavos S.A.; and assets of Sterward Engineering Company, Ltd. E. ``Capewell'' means substantially all assets of Capewell Horsenails, Inc., including assets, properties, business and goodwill, tangible and intangible, used in the manufacture and sale of Rolled Horseshoe Nails, including the following: 1. Machinery, fixtures, equipment, vehicles, transportation facilities, furniture, tools and other tangible personal property; 2. Customer lists, vendor lists, catalogs, sales promotion literature, advertising materials, research materials, technical information, management information systems, software, inventions, trade secrets, intellectual property, patents, technology, know-how, specifications, designs, drawings, processes and quality control data; 3. Inventory of nails produced by Capewell; 4. Rights, titles and interests in and to the contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business with customers (together with associated bid and performance bonds), suppliers, sales representatives, distributors, agents, personal property lessors, personal property lessees, licensors, licensees, consignors and consignees; 5. Rights under warranties and guarantees, express or implied; 6. Books, record, files; and 7. Items of prepaid expense. F. ``Commission'' means the Federal Trade Commission. G. ``Rolled Horseshoe Nails'' means horseshoe nails that are produced by the rolling process of drawing the shank of the nail through a series of dies. H. ``Functioning Nail Machine'' means a fully functioning and operational machine that has produced at least 800 pounds per week of City Head No. 5 Rolled Horseshoe Nails during the preceding year, or the equivalent production of other types and sizes of nails, including tooling used in the maintenance or operation of such nail machines, and capable of producing Rolled Horseshoe Nails in at least the following sizes: city head 5, city head 6, slim blade 5, regular head 5, and race nail 3\1/2\. I. ``Spare Nail Machine'' means a functioning or non-functioning machine suitable for use in providing spare and replacement parts for the Functioning Nail Machines. J. ``Nail Machine'' means a Functioning Nail Machine or Spare Nail Machine. K. ``Technology and Know-how'' means all of Mustad's drawings, blueprints, patents, specifications, tests, and other documentation, and all information contained therein or available to Mustad personnel relating to the design, and the production methods, processes and systems used in the production of Rolled Horseshoe Nails. II It is further ordered that: A. Mustad shall divest, absolutely and in good faith, by May 15, 1996, either (i) Capewell as an ongoing business, or (ii) four (4) Functioning Nail Machines and one (1) Spare Nail Machine and shall grant a perpetual non-exclusive license of the Technology and Know-how to the acquirer. B. The divestiture and granting of the license shall be made only to an acquirer that receives the prior approval of the Commission and only in a manner that receives the prior approval of the Commission. The purpose of the divestiture and licensing is to create an independent competitor in the production and sale of Rolled Horseshoe Nails and to remedy the lessening of competition in the United States resulting from the Acquisitions as alleged in the Commission's complaint. Mustad shall divest such other ancillary assets and effect such other arrangements as are reasonably necessary for the acquirer to be viable, and competitive. C. If Mustad divests the Functioning Nail Machines and Spare Nail Machine, then upon reasonable notice from the acquirer to respondents, respondents shall provide such assistance to the acquirer as is reasonably necessary to enable the acquirer to produce Rolled Horseshoe Nails in substantially the same manner and quality employed or achieved by the respondent prior to divestiture. Such assistance shall include reasonable consultation with knowledgeable employees and training for a period of time sufficient to satisfy the acquirer's management that its personnel are appropriately trained in the production of rolled horseshoe nails. Respondents shall convey all know-how necessary to produce rolled horseshoe nails in substantially the same manner and quality employed or achieved by respondent prior to divestiture. However, respondents shall not be required to continue providing such assistance for more than one (1) year from the date of divestiture. Respondents shall charge the acquirer its own direct costs for providing such assistance. III It is further ordered that, pending divestiture of Capewell or the Functioning Nail Machines and Spare Nail Machine pursuant to Paragraphs II.A., Mustad shall take such action as is necessary to maintain the viability and marketability of the Nail Machines to be divested and shall not cause or permit the destruction, removal, [[Page 42166]] wasting, deterioriation or impairment of such Nail Machines, except for ordinary wear and tear that does not affect the viability and marketability of the Nail Machines. IV It is further order that: A. If respondents have not completed the divestiture required by paragraph II.A. by May 15, 1996, the Commission may appoint a trustee to divest four (4) Functioning Nail Machines, one (1) Spare Nail Machine, and license the Technology and Know-how. In the event the Commission or the Attorney General brings an action pursuant to Sec. 5(1) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 45(1), or any other statute enforced by the Commission, Mustad shall consent to the appointment of a trustee in such action. Neither the appointment of a trustee nor a decision not to appoint a trustee under this Paragraph shall preclude the Commission or the Attorney General from seeking civil penalties or any other relief available to it, including a court- appointed trustee, pursuant to Section 5(1) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, or any other statute enforced by the Commission, for any failure by Mustad to comply with this order. B. If a trustee is appointed by the Commission or a court pursuant to Paragraph IV.A. of this order, Mustad shall consent to the following terms and conditions regarding the trustee's powers, duties, authorities, and responsibilities: (1) The Commission shall select the trustee, subject to the consent of Mustad, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The trustee shall be a person with experience and expertise in acquisitions and divestitures. If Mustad has not opposed the selection of a proposed trustee within fifteen (15) days after notice by the Commission's staff to Mustad of the identity of the proposed trustee, Mustad shall be deemed to have consented to the selection of the proposed trustee. (2) Subject to the prior approval of the Commission, the trustee shall have the exclusive power and authority to divest the Nail Machines and grant a license for the Technology and Know-how and to make any further arrangements that may be reasonably necessary to maintain the viability and competitiveness of the business. (3) The trustee shall have twelve (12) months from the date the Commission approves the trust agreement described in Paragraph IV.B.8 to accomplish the divestiture, which shall be subject to the prior approval of the Commission. If, however, at the end of the twelve-month period, the trustee has submitted a plan of divestiture or believes that the divestiture can be accomplished within a reasonable time, the divestiture period may be extended by the Commission or, in the case of a court-appointed trustee, by the court, provided, however, that the Commission may extend this period only two (2) times and for a total period not to exceed two (2) years. (4) The trustee shall have full and complete access to the personnel, books, records, and facilities related to the Nail Machines, or to any other relevant information, as the trustee may reasonably request. Respondents shall provide such financial or other information as such trustee may reasonably request and shall cooperate with the trustee. Mustad shall take no action to interfere with or impede the trustee's accomplishment of the divestiture and licensing. Any delays in divestiture caused by Mustad shall extend the time for divestiture under Paragraph IV.B.3 in an amount equal to the delay, as determined by the Commission or, for a court-appointed trustee, by the court. (5) Subject to Mustad's absolute and unconditional obligation to divest and license at no minimum price, and the purpose of the divestiture and licensing as stated in Paragraph II of this order, the trustee shall use his or her best efforts to negotiate the most favorable price and terms available in each contract that is submitted to the Commission. The divestiture shall be made in the manner set out in Paragraph III of this order, provided, however, if the trustee receives bona fide offers from more than one acquiring entity, and if the Commission determines to approve more than one such acquiring entity, the trustee shall divest to the acquiring entity or entities selected by Mustad from among those approved by the Commission. (6) The trustee shall serve, without bond or other security, at the cost and expense of Mustad, on such reasonable and customary terms and conditions as the Commission or, in the case of a court-appointed trustee, the court may set. The trustee shall have authority to employ, at the cost and expense of Mustad, such consultants, accountants, attorneys, investment bankers, business brokers, appraisers, and other representatives and assistants as are reasonably necessary and at reasonable cost to carry out the trustee's duties and responsibilities. The trustee shall account for all monies derived from the divestiture and licensing and all expenses incurred. After approval by the Commission and, in the case of a court-appointed trustee, by the court, of the account of the trustee, including fees for his or her services, all remaining monies shall be paid at the direction of Mustad and the trustee's power shall be terminated. The trustee's compensation shall be based in significant part on a reasonable commission arrangement contingent on the trustee's divesting the Nail Machines and licensing the technology and know-how. (7) Mustad shall indemnify the trustee and hold the trustee harmless against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses arising out of, or in connection with, the performance of the trusteeship, including all reasonable fees of counsel and other expenses incurred in connection with the preparation for, or defense of any claim, whether or not resulting in any liability, except to the extent that such liabilities, losses, damages, claims, or expenses result from misfeasance, negligence, willful or wanton acts, or bad faith by the trustee. (8) Within ten (10) days after appointment of the trustee, and subject to the prior approval of the Commission and, in the case of a court-appointed trustee, of the court, Mustad shall execute a trust agreement that transfers to the trustee all rights and powers necessary to permit the trustee to effect the divestiture and licensing required by this order. (9) If the trustee ceases to act or fails to act diligently, a substitute trustee shall be appointed in the same manner as provided in Paragraph IV.A. of this order. (10) The Commission or, in the case of a court-appointed trustee, the court may on its own initiative or at the request of the trustee issue such additional orders or directions as may be necessary or appropriate to accomplish the divestiture and licensing required by this order. (11) The trustee shall have no obligation or authority to operate or maintain the Nail Machines. (12) The trustee shall report in writing to Mustad and to the Commission every sixty (60) days concerning the trustee's efforts to accomplish the divestiture and licensing. V It is further ordered that: A. Within sixty (60) days after the date this order becomes final and every sixty (60) days thereafter until Mustad has fully complied with the provisions of Paragraph II or IV of this order, Mustad shall submit to the Commission a verified written report setting forth in detail the manner and form in which it intends to comply, is complying, and has complied with those provisions. [[Page 42167]] Mustad shall include in its compliance reports, among other things that are required from time to time, a full description of the efforts being made to comply with Paragraphs II and IV of the order, including a description of all substantive contacts or negotiations for the divestiture and licensing and the identity of all parties contacted. Mustad also shall include in its compliance reports copies of all written communications to and from such parties, all internal memoranda, and all reports and recommendations concerning divestiture. B. One year from the year that this order becomes final, annually for the next nine (9) years on the anniversary of the date on which this order becomes final, and at such other times as the Commission may require, Mustad shall file with the Commission a verified written report setting forth in detail the manner and form in which it has complied and is complying with Paragraph VI of this order. It is further ordered that, for a period of ten (10) years from the date this order becomes final, respondent shall not, without providing advance written notification to the Commission, directly or indirectly, through subsidiaries, partnerships, or otherwise: A. Acquire any stock, share capital, equity or other interest in any concern, corporate or non-corporate, presently engaged in, within the two years preceding such acquisition engaged in, or in the process of attempting to engage in producing or selling horseshoe nails in the United States; or B. Acquire any assets used for, or previously used for (and still suitable for use for) the production of horseshoe nails from any concern, corporate or non-corporate, presently engaged in, within the past two years engaged in, or in the process of attempting to engage in producing or selling horseshoe nails in the United States. Said notification shall be given on the Notification and Report Form set forth in the Appendix to Part 803 of Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations as amended (hereinafter referred to as ``the Notification''). Respondent shall provide to the Commission at least thirty days prior to acquiring any such interest (hereinafter referred to as the ``first waiting period''), both the Notification and supplemental information either in respondent's possession or reasonably available to respondent. Such supplemental information shall include a copy of the proposed acquisition agreement; the names of the principal representatives of respondent and of the firm respondent desires to acquire who negotiated the acquisition agreement; and any management or strategic plans discussing the proposed acquisition. If, within the first waiting period, representatives of the Commission make a written request for additional information, respondent shall not consummate the acquisition until twenty days after submitting 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 Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 18a. VII It is further ordered that, for the purposes of determining or securing compliance with this order, and subject to any legally recognized privilege, upon written request, Mustad reasonably shall permit any duly authorized representatives of the Commission: A. Access, during office hours and in the presence of counsel, to inspect and copy all books, ledgers, accounts, correspondence, memoranda and other records and documents in the possession or under the control of Mustad relating to any matters contained in this order; and B. Upon five (5) days notice to Mustad, and without restraint or interference from Mustad, to interview officers or employees of Mustad, who may have counsel present, regarding such matters. VIII It is further ordered that Mustad shall notify the Commission at least thirty (30) days prior to any proposed change in Mustad, such as dissolution, assignment, or sale resulting in the emergence of a successor, the creation or dissolution of subsidiaries, or any other change that may affect compliance obligations arising out of this order. Analysis of Proposed Consent Order to Aid Public Comment The Federal Trade Commission (``Commission'') has accepted, subject to final approval, and Agreement Containing Consent Order (``Agreement'') from Mustad International Group NV (``Mustad''), a Netherlands Antilles firm, and Mustad Connecticut, Inc., a Connecticut company. The proposed Order has been placed on the public record for sixty (60) days for reception of comments by interested persons. Comments received during this period will become part of the public record. After sixty (60) days, the Commission will again review the Agreement and the comments received and will decide whether it should withdraw from the Agreement or make final the Agreement's proposed Order. Mustad has consummated a series of acquisitions, beginning in July 1985 through January 1993. The proposed complaint alleges that the effect of the acquisitions was to substantially lessen competition and to give Mustad a virtual monopoly in the market for rolled horseshoe nails, which allowed Mustad to raise prices by as much as 50-75% on the most popular, large volume sizes of horseshoe nails in the United States. The complaint alleges that Mustad acquired Capewell Manufacturing Company (``Capewell''), Cooper Horseshoe Nail Co., Ltd. (``Cooper''), and Emcoclavos S.A. (``Emcoclavos'') and acquired a horseshoe nail machine from Sterward Engineering Company, Ltd. (``Sterward''). Cooper and Emcoclavos were direct competitors of Mustad and Sterward was a potential competitor to Mustad. The complaint also alleges that Mustad entered into non-compete agreements with Cooper and Sterward for a period of at least twenty years. The complaint also alleges that Mustad destroyed saleable rolled horseshoe nail machines in order to prevent potential competitors from producing horseshoe nails. The proposed complaint alleges that the Mustad's acquisitions of Cooper, Emcoclavos and Sterward violated Section 7 of the Clayton Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 18, and Section of the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 45; that the Sterward non- compete agreement violates Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 45; and that Mustad, in making its acquisitions of Capewell, Cooper, and Emcoclavos, in destroying machinery, and in entering the non-compete agreements, attempted to monopolize and did monopolize the market for rolled horseshoe nails in violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 45. The complaint alleges that rolled horseshoe nails are a relevant line of commerce that differ from other types of nails used by farriers (the people who shoe horses). Rolled horseshoe nails are not reasonably interchangeable with forged nails. The complaint alleges that Mustad gained a virtual monopoly, nearly a 90% share of sales of rolled horseshoe nails in the world, as a result of its acquisitions of Cooper, Emcoclavos, and [[Page 42168]] Sterward. Prior to each acquisition, the rolled horseshoe nail market was highly concentrated and concentration increased substantially following each acquisition. The complaint alleges that entry into the production and sale of rolled horseshoe nails would be difficult and time consuming--taking well in excess of two years, entailing significant sunk costs, and requiring technical expertise. The proposed Order would remedy the alleged violations by replacing the lost competition that has resulted from the acquisitions. The proposed Order would require Mustad to divest either (1) Capewell as an ongoing business, or (2) four fully functioning horseshoe nail machines, one spare nail machine, and grant a perpetual non-exclusive license to technology and know-how. In order to ensure that the acquirer of machinery would be able to quickly begin production at the same level of quality as exists currently, Mustad would be required to provide training and technical assistance to the acquirer for up to one year. The proposed Order provides that Mustad shall divest Capewell or the machinery no later than May 15, 1996. If Mustad does not complete the required divestiture during the allotted time period, then a trustee may be appointed to divest the machinery within twelve months. The time period for the trustee to complete the divestiture may be extended twice. The proposed Order requires Mustad to submit a report of compliance with the proposed Order's divestiture requirements within sixty (60) days following the date the proposed Order becomes final, and every sixty (60) days thereafter until Mustad has completed the divestiture. Finally, the proposed Order prohibits Mustad from acquiring any interest in any other company engaged in, or attempting to engage in, the production or sale of horseshoe nails without giving prior notice to the Commission and observing certain waiting periods for a period of ten years. The purpose of this analysis is to facilitate public comment on the proposed Order. This analysis is not intended to constitute an official interpretation of the Agreement or the proposed Order or in any way to modify the terms of the Agreement or the proposed Order. Benjamin I. Berman, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. 95-20142 Filed 8-14-95; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6750-01-M