Skip to main content

The Federal Trade Commission has issued an administrative complaint challenging Arch Coal Inc.’s (Arch) proposed acquisition of all the assets of Triton Coal Company, L.L.C. (Triton) from New Vulcan Coal Holdings, L.L.C. The Commission’s complaint alleges that the proposed acquisition would make anticompetitive coordination more likely among the remaining coal producers in Wyoming’s Southern Powder River Basin (SPRB).

Similar to the allegations in a complaint seeking a preliminary injunction filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on April 1, 2004, the administrative complaint alleges that the proposed acquisition would:

The complaint filed on April 1 asked the federal court to prevent the companies from closing their transaction until the FTC is able to complete its formal examination of the proposed acquisition in the proceeding that was initiated by today’s administrative complaint. The vote to issue the administrative complaint was 5-0, with Commissioner Thomas B. Leary issuing a separate statement that is available on the FTC’s Web site as a link to this release.

(FTC File No.: 031-0191)

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and to protect and educate consumers. The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. You can learn more about how competition benefits consumers, file an antitrust complaint, or comment on a proposed merger. For the latest news and resources, follow the FTC on social media, subscribe to press releases, and read our blog.

Contact Information

Media Contact:
Mitchell J. Katz
Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2161
Staff Contact:
Morris A. Bloom
Bureau of Competition
202-326-2707
Return to top