WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - The U.S. government is suing four companies, alleging unfair competition and violation of federal law.
The U.S. Justice Department filed a complaint March 30 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against Smiths Group PLC, Safran S.A., Morpho Detection LLC and Morpho Detection International LLC, alleging they proposed an acquisition of Morpho in order to eliminate explosive detection device (ETD) competition in the marketplace.
According to the complaint, the U.S. will experience damages on behalf of the public due to the lack of competition in the marketplace for explosive detection devices. The plaintiff alleges the defendants proposed the acquisition of Morpho to monopolize the prices of ETD devices.
The government seeks a decree that Smiths' proposed acquisition of Morpho is unlawful, for the federal court to enjoin and restrain the defendants, court costs and all relief the court deems just and proper.
The U.S. is represented by DOJ attorneys Leslie D. Peritz and Eric C. Grace in Washington.
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia Case number 1:17-cv-00580-RMC