PHOENIX — The state of Arizona has filed a lawsuit against a dental supply company for allegedly participating in an anti-competitive conspiracy designed to force out a new, lower-priced competitor.
The lawsuit filed by Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich alleges dental supply company Benco attempted to coordinate a boycott of the state's dental association and engaged in deceptive acts and practices against its competitor SourceOne in an effort to pressure customers into purchasing from Benco.
“My office is committed to preventing conspiracies against free competition,” Brnovich said in a statement. “We will continue to fight to ensure Arizona consumers are not harmed by anti-competitive and deceptive acts and practices."
Benco also knowingly spread false information to manufacturers and dentists that SourceOne had sold "gray market products" and implying they did not meet U.S. safety regulations, Brnovich's office said.
The lawsuit seeks restitution for consumers and disgorgement of Benco's profits and gains made as a result of their anti-competitive and deceptive practices, according to the Attorney General's Office.