Mahle GmbH; Mahle, Inc.; Metal Leve S.A.; Metal Leve, Inc.; Analysis To Aid Public Comment

Résumé

In settlement of alleged violations of federal law prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts or practices and unfair methods of competition, this consent agreement, accepted subject to final Commission approval, would require, among other things, Mahle, Inc., the Morristown, Tennessee-based subsidiary of a German company, and Metal Leve, Inc., the Ann Arbor, Michigan-based subsidiary of a Brazilian firm, to divest Metal Leve's United States piston business. The complaint accompanying the consent agreement alleges that, by acquiring Metal Leve, Mahle would become a monopolist in the research, development, manufacture, and sale of (1) articulated pistons in the United States, and (2) large bore two-piece pistons worldwide. Pursuant to a separate federal court stipulation, Mahle and Metal Leve will pay in excess of $5 million for failing to give antitrust enforcers advance notice of Mahle's acquisition of a controlling interest in Metal Leve.