The FTC and a coalition of eight Republican AGs reached settlements with Dentsu US, Inc., GroupM Worldwide LLC (d/b/a WPP Media), and Publicis, Inc. over allegations that the companies violated Section 5 of the FTC Act and Section 1 of the Sherman Act by coordinating digital advertising “brand safety” standards. The complaint alleged the firms…

Read More

A bipartisan coalition of 34 AGs won at trial against Live Nation and Ticketmaster after a jury found the companies violated federal and state antitrust laws by eliminating competition and driving up costs for fans, artists, and venues.

Read More

Oregon AG Dan Rayfield led a nine-state coalition in filing a petition for $10.3 million in attorneys’ fees and costs against Kroger following the abandonment of its proposed $24.6 billion merger with Albertsons. Oregon’s share of the request is about $2.25 million. The petition follows a court ruling that the states “substantially prevailed” in their…

Read More

California AG Rob Bonta, leading a group of eight Democratic AGs, sued to block Nexstar’s acquisition of TEGNA, alleging the deal violates Section 7 of the Clayton Act by stifling broadcast competition. According to the complaint, the proposed acquisition would create a “broadcasting behemoth” with control over 221 “Big 4” stations, giving Nexstar greater leverage…

Read More

28 AGs said they will continue their antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation-Ticketmaster, despite a proposed $280 million settlement reached by the DOJ.

Read More