FTC Approves Final Order Settling Charges that Cornings Proposed Acquisition of Discovery Labware, Inc. Would Have Been Anticompetitive

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Corning, Inc.’s proposed acquisition of Becton, Dickinson and Company’s Discovery Labware Division would have been anticompetitive in the North American markets for tissue culture treated (TCT) multi-well plates, dishes, and flasks used in cell culture applications.

Under the settlement with the FTC, Corning will provide assets and assistance to enable life science company Sigma-Aldrich Co., LLC to manufacture Corning’s line of these products in a manner substantially similar to Corning’s process.  Until Sigma Aldrich develops its own manufacturing capabilities for these products, Corning will supply them to Sigma Aldrich, which will market them under its own brand, replacing the competition lost through the acquisition.         

The Commission vote approving the final order was 5-0.  (FTC File No. 121-0133; the staff contacts are Michael R. Moiseyev and Stephanie C. Bovee, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-3106 and 202-326-2083; see press release dated October 31, 2012.)

The FTC’s Bureau of Competition works with the Bureau of Economics to investigate alleged anticompetitive business practices and, when appropriate, recommends that the Commission take law enforcement action.  To inform the Bureau about particular business practices, call 202-326-3300, send an e-mail to antitrust{at}ftc{dot}gov, or write to the Office of Policy and Coordination, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission, 601 New Jersey Ave., Room 7117, Washington, DC 20001.  To learn more about the Bureau of Competition, read Competition Counts.  Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.