Cargill, Inc. v. Monfort of Colorado, Inc.
United States Supreme Court
479 U.S. 104 (1986)
- Written by Nicholas Decoster, JD
Facts
Excel Corporation (Excel) (defendant), a company owned by Cargill, Inc., was the second-largest beef packer in the United States. In 1983, Excel reached an agreement to acquire the third-largest beef packer. After the merger, Excel would remain the second-largest beef packer, but Excel’s market share would increase significantly. Monfort of Colorado, Inc. (Monfort) (plaintiff), the fifth-largest beef packer, believed that Excel’s merger constituted a violation of antitrust law and brought a suit under § 16 of the Clayton Act to prevent the merger. Specifically, Monfort argued that Excel’s merger would substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly due to increased efficiencies resulting from the merger and Excel’s ability to draw on the resources of Cargill. The injunction was granted by the court of appeals. Excel appealed, arguing that an injunction under § 16 must be supported by a claim of injury recognized by antitrust law.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Brennan, J.)
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