94-31129. Red Apple Companies, Inc., et al.; Proposed Consent Agreement With Analysis To Aid Public Comment  

  • [Federal Register Volume 59, Number 242 (Monday, December 19, 1994)]
    [Unknown Section]
    [Page 0]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 94-31129]
    
    
    [[Page Unknown]]
    
    [Federal Register: December 19, 1994]
    
    
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    FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
    [Dkt. 9266]
    
     
    
    Red Apple Companies, Inc., et al.; Proposed Consent Agreement 
    With Analysis To Aid Public Comment
    
    AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission.
    
    ACTION: Proposed Consent Agreement.
    
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    SUMMARY: In settlement of alleged violations of federal law prohibiting 
    unfair acts and practices and unfair methods of competition, this 
    consent agreement, accepted subject to final Commission approval, would 
    require, among other things, three New York-based companies and their 
    officer to divest six supermarkets, within 12 months, to a Commission-
    approved acquirer or acquirers. If the respondents fail to satisfy the 
    divestiture requirements, the proposed order would permit the 
    Commission to appoint a trustee to divest supermarkets to satisfy the 
    terms of the order. The consent agreement also would prohibit the 
    respondents, for ten years, from acquiring, without prior Commission 
    approval, any supermarket or any interest in an entity that owns or 
    operates a supermarket in New York County south of 116th Street. In 
    addition, the respondents, for ten years, would be prohibited from 
    entering into or enforcing any agreement that restricts the ability of 
    any person acquiring any supermarket owned or operated by any 
    respondent in New York County south of 116th Street.
    
    DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 17, 1995.
    
    ADDRESSES: Comments should be directed to: FTC/Office of the Secretary, 
    Room 159, 6th St. and Pa. Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20580.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Ronald Rowe, FTC/S-2105, Washington, DC 20580. (202) 326-2610.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to section 6(f) of the Federal 
    Trade Commission Act, 38 Stat. 721, 15 U.S.C. 46 and Sec. 3.25(f) of 
    the Commission's rules of practice (16 CFR 3.25(f)), notice is hereby 
    given that the following consent agreement containing a consent order 
    to cease and desist, having been filed with and accepted, subject to 
    final approval, by the Commission, has been placed on the public record 
    for a period of sixty (60) days. Public comment is invited. Such 
    comments or views will be considered by the Commission and will be 
    available for inspection and copying at its principal office in 
    accordance with Sec. 4.9(b)(6)(ii) of the Commission's rules of 
    practice (16 CFR 4.9(b)(ii)).
    
    Agreement Containing Consent Order To Divest and to Cease and Desist
    
        In the matter of Red Apple Companies, Inc., a corporation; John 
    A. Catsimatidis, an individual; Supermarket Acquisition Corp., a 
    corporation; and Designcraft Industries, Inc. (d/b/a Sloan's 
    Supermarkets, Inc.), a corporation. Docket No. 9266.
    
        The agreement herein, by and between Red Apple Companies, Inc. 
    (``Red Apple''), a corporation, John A. Catsimatidis, an individual, 
    Supermarket Acquisition Corporation (``SAC''), a corporation, and 
    Sloan's Supermarkets, Inc. (a/k/a Designcraft Industries, Inc.) 
    (``SSI''), a corporation, by their duly authorized officers, hereafter 
    sometimes referred to as ``respondents,'' and their attorney, and 
    counsel for the Federal Trade Commission, is entered into in accordance 
    with the Commission's rule governing consent order procedures. In 
    accordance therewith the parties hereby agree that:
        1. Respondent Red Apple is a corporation organized, existing and 
    doing business under and by virtue of the laws of the State of New 
    York, with its executive offices located at 823 Eleventh Avenue, New 
    York, New York 10019-3535.
        2. Respondent John A. Catsimatidis is the Chairman, Chief Executive 
    Officer, and sole shareholder of Red Apple Companies, Inc., and 
    Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer, and the largest 
    shareholder of Sloan's Supermarkets, Inc., with his office and 
    principal place of business at 823 Eleventh Avenue, New York, New York 
    10019-3535.
        3. Respondent SAC is a corporation organized, existing and doing 
    business under and by virtue of the laws of the State of New York, with 
    its executive offices located at 823 Eleventh Avenue, New York, New 
    York 10019-3535.
        4. Respondent SSI is a corporation organized, existing and doing 
    business under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Delaware, with 
    its executive offices located at 823 Eleventh Avenue, New York, New 
    York 10019-3535.
        5. Respondents have been served with a copy of the complaint issued 
    by the Federal Trade Commission charging them with violation of section 
    7 of the Clayton Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. 18, and section 5 of the 
    Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. 45, and have filed 
    an answer to said complaint denying said charges.
        6. Respondents admit all the jurisdictional facts set forth in the 
    Commission's complaint in this proceeding.
        7. Respondents waive:
        a. Any further procedural steps;
        b. The requirement that the Commission's decision contain a 
    statement of findings of fact and conclusions of law;
        c. All rights to seek judicial review or otherwise to challenge or 
    contest the validity of the order entered pursuant to this agreement; 
    and
        d. Any claim under the Equal Access to Justice Act.
        8. This agreement shall not become part of the public record of the 
    proceeding unless and until it is accepted by the Commission. If this 
    agreement is accepted by the Commission it will be placed on the public 
    record for a period of sixty (60) days and information in respect 
    thereto publicly released. The Commission thereafter may either 
    withdraw its acceptance of this agreement and so notify the 
    respondents, in which event it will take such action as it may consider 
    appropriate, or issue and serve its decision, in disposition of the 
    proceeding.
        9. This agreement is for settlement purposes only and does not 
    constitute an admission by respondents that the law has been violated 
    as alleged in the complaint, or that the facts as alleged in the 
    complaint, other than jurisdictional facts, are true.
        10. This agreement contemplates that, if it is accepted by the 
    Commission, and if such acceptance is not subsequently withdrawn by the 
    Commission pursuant to the provisions of Sec. 3.25(f) of the 
    Commission's rules, the Commission may without further notice to 
    respondents, (1) issue its decision containing the following order to 
    divest and to cease and desist in disposition of the proceeding, and 
    (2) make information public in respect thereto. When so entered, the 
    order shall have the same force and effect and may be altered, modified 
    or set aside in the same manner and within the same time provided by 
    statute for other orders. The order shall become final upon service. 
    Delivery by the U.S. Postal Service of the complaint and decision 
    containing the agreed-to order to respondents' addresses as stated in 
    this agreement shall constitute service. Respondents waive any right 
    they might have to any other manner of service. The complaint may be 
    used in construing the terms of the order, and no agreement, 
    understanding, representation, or interpretation not contained in the 
    order or in the agreement may be used to vary or to contradict the 
    terms of the order.
        11. Respondents have read the complaint and the order contemplated 
    hereby. They understand that once the order has been issued, they will 
    be required to file one or more compliance reports showing that they 
    have fully complied with the order. Respondents further understand that 
    they may be liable for civil penalties in the amount provided by law 
    for each violation of the order after it becomes final.
    
    Order
    
    I
        It is ordered that, as used in this order, the following 
    definitions shall apply:
        A. ``Commission'' means the Federal Trade Commission.
        B. ``Red Apple'' means Red Apple Companies, Inc., its parents, 
    predecessors, subsidiaries, divisions, groups and affiliates (including 
    Red Apple Supermarkets, Inc., Gristede's Supermarkets, Inc., and 
    Supermarket Acquisition Corp.), and their directors, officers, 
    employees, agents, partners, and representatives (including John A. 
    Catsimatidis), and their respective successors or assigns.
        C. ``John A. Catsimatidis'' means John A. Catsimatidis, an 
    individual and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Red Apple 
    Companies, Inc., and Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Treasurer 
    of Sloan's Supermarkets, Inc. (a/k/a Designcraft Industries, Inc.).
        D. ``SAC'' means Supermarket Acquisition Corp., its parents, 
    predecessors, subsidiaries, divisions, groups and affiliates, and their 
    directors, officers, employees, agents, partners, and representatives, 
    and their respective successors or assigns.
        E. ``SSI'' means Sloan's Supermarkets, Inc. (a/k/a Designcraft 
    Industries, Inc.), its parents, predecessors, subsidiaries, divisions, 
    groups and affiliates, and their directors, officers, employees, 
    agents, partners, and representatives, and their respective successors 
    or assigns.
        F. ``Respondents'' mean Red Apple, John A. Catsimatidis, SAC, and 
    SSI.
        G. ``Assets to be divested'' means the assets described in 
    Paragraphs II. A. and II. B. of this order.
        H. ``Supermarket'' means a full-line retail grocery store that 
    carries a wide variety of food and grocery items in particular product 
    categories, including bread and dairy products; refrigerated and frozen 
    food and beverage products; fresh and prepared meats and poultry; 
    produce, including fresh fruits and vegetables; shelf-stable food and 
    beverage products, including canned and other types of packaged 
    products; staple foodstuffs, which may include salt, sugar, flour, 
    sauces, spices, coffee, and tea; and other grocery products, including 
    nonfood items such as soaps, detergents, paper goods, other household 
    products, and health and beauty aids.
    II
        It is further ordered that respondents shall divest six 
    supermarkets in the following manner:
        A. Respondents shall divest, absolutely and in good faith, within 
    twelve months from the date this order becomes final, four of the 
    following listed supermarkets, with one supermarket located in each of 
    the four areas identified below within New York County, New York:
        1. Upper East Side:
        a. Sloan's located at 1407 Lexington Avenue (store no. 425);
        b. Sloan's located at 1343-1347 Lexington Avenue (store no. 437); 
    or
        c. Gristede's located at 1356 Lexington Avenue (store no. 52).
        2. Upper West Side:
        a. Sloan's located at 530-34 Amsterdam Avenue (store no. 435); or
        b. Gristede's located at 251 West 86th Street/2361 Broadway (store 
    no. 56).
        3. Chelsea:
        a. Gristede's located at 188 Ninth Avenue (store no. 441, formerly 
    under the Sloan's trade name) or the nearest alternate supermarket 
    owned or operated by any respondent.
        4. Greenwich Village:
        a. Sloan's located at 585 Hudson Street (store no. 410) or the 
    nearest alternate supermarket owned or operated by any respondent; or
        b. Gristede's located at 25 University Place (store no. 82) or the 
    nearest alternate supermarket west of Broadway owned or operated by any 
    respondent.
        The assets to be divested shall consist of the grocery business 
    operated, and all assets, leases, properties, business and goodwill, 
    tangible and intangible, utilized in the distribution or sale of 
    groceries at the listed locations that are divested.
        B. Respondents shall also divest, absolutely and in good faith, 
    within twelve months from the date this order becomes final, two of the 
    following listed supermarkets, with one supermarket from one area 
    identified below within New York County, New York, and the other 
    supermarket from a different area identified below within New York 
    County, New York:
        1. Upper East Side:
        In addition to one of the three Upper East Side supermarkets listed 
    in Paragraph II.A.1., either one other supermarket listed in Paragraph 
    II.A.1., or one of the following:
        a. Sloan's located at 1245 Park Avenue (store no. 38, formerly 
    under the Red Apple trade name);
        b. Gristede's located at 205 East 96th Street (store no. 98);
        c. Gristede's located at 350 East 86th Street (store no. 50);
        d. Sloan's located at 1668 Second Avenue (store no. 434);
        e. Gristede's located at 1644 York Avenue (store no. 53); or
        f. Sloan's located at 1637 York Avenue (store no. 507).
        2. Upper West Side:
        In addition to one of the two Upper West Side supermarkets listed 
    in Paragraph II.A.2., either one other supermarket listed in Paragraph 
    II.A.2., or the following:
        a. a supermarket owned or operated by any respondent and located 
    within four blocks of either of the two supermarkets listed in 
    Paragraph II. A. 2.
        3. Greenwich Village:
        In addition to one of the four Greenwich Village supermarkets 
    listed in Paragraph II. A. 4., either one other supermarket listed in 
    Paragraph II. A. 4., or one of the following:
        a. Gristede's located at 77 Seventh Avenue (store no. 37) or the 
    nearest alternate supermarket owned or operated by any respondent; or
        b. Gristede's located at 311 Bleecker Street (store no. 83) or the 
    nearest alternate supermarket owned or operated by any respondent.
        The assets to be divested shall consist of the grocery business 
    operated, and all assets, leases, properties, business and goodwill, 
    tangible and intangible, utilized in the distribution or sale of 
    groceries at the listed locations that are divested.
        C. Respondents shall divest the assets to be divested only to an 
    acquirer or acquirers that receive the prior approval of the Commission 
    and only in a manner that receives the prior approval of the 
    Commission. The purpose of the divestiture of the assets to be divested 
    is to ensure the continuation of the assets to be divested as ongoing, 
    viable enterprises engaged in the supermarket business and to remedy 
    the lessening of competition resulting from the acquisitions as alleged 
    in the Commission's complaint.
        D. Pending divestiture of such assets to be divested to comply with 
    Paragraphs II. and III. of this order, respondents shall take such 
    actions as are necessary to maintain the viability and marketability of 
    such assets to be divested to comply with Paragraphs II. and III. of 
    this order and to prevent the destruction, removal, wasting, 
    deterioration, or impairment of such assets to be divested to comply 
    with Paragraphs II. and III. of this order except in the ordinary 
    course of business and except for ordinary wear and tear.
    III
        It is further ordered that:
        A. If respondents have not divested, absolutely and in good faith 
    and with the Commission's prior approval, such assets to be divested to 
    comply with Paragraph II. of this order within twelve months from the 
    date this order becomes final, the Commission may appoint a trustee to 
    divest any of the supermarkets listed in Paragraph II. (and all assets, 
    leases, properties, business and goodwill, tangible and intangible, 
    utilized in the distribution or sale of groceries at the listed 
    locations) that are owned or operated by any respondent at the time of 
    the appointment of the trustee in order to satisfy the requirements of 
    Paragraph II. A. and II. B. of this order. In the event that the 
    Commission or the Attorney General brings an action pursuant to section 
    5(l) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 45(l), or any other 
    statute enforced by the Commission, respondents shall consent to the 
    appointment of a trustee in such action. Neither the appointment of a 
    trustee nor a decision not to appoint a trustee under this Paragraph 
    shall preclude the Commission or the Attorney General from seeking 
    civil penalties or any other relief available to it, including a court-
    appointed trustee, pursuant to section 5(l) of the Federal Trade 
    Commission Act, or any other statute enforced by the Commission, for 
    any failure by the respondents to comply with this order.
        B. If a trustee is appointed by the Commission or a court pursuant 
    to Paragraph III. A. of this order, respondents shall consent to the 
    following terms and conditions regarding the trustee's powers, duties, 
    authority, and responsibilities:
        1. The Commission shall select the trustee, subject to the consent 
    of respondents, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The 
    trustee shall be a person with experience and expertise in acquisitions 
    and divestitures. If respondents have not opposed, in writing, 
    including the reasons for opposing, the selection of any proposed 
    trustee within ten (10) days after written notice by the staff of the 
    Commission to respondents of the identity of any proposed trustee, 
    respondents shall be deemed to have consented to the selection of the 
    proposed trustee.
        2. Subject to the prior approval of the Commission, the trustee 
    shall have the exclusive power and authority to divest any of the 
    supermarkets listed in Paragraph II (and all assets, leases, 
    properties, business and goodwill, tangible and intangible, utilized in 
    the distribution or sale of groceries at the listed locations) that are 
    owned or operated by any respondent at the time of the appointment of 
    the trustee in order to comply with Paragraph II. of this order.
        3. Within ten (10) days after appointment of the trustee, 
    respondents shall execute a trust agreement that, subject to the prior 
    approval of the Commission and, in the case of a court-appointed 
    trustee, of the court, transfers to the trustee all rights and powers 
    necessary to permit the trustee to effect the divestitures required by 
    Paragraph II. of this order. Such trust agreement may include a 
    confidentiality agreement.
        4. The trustee shall have twelve (12) months from the date the 
    Commission or court approves the trust agreement described in Paragraph 
    III. B. 3. to accomplish the divestitures, which shall be subject to 
    the prior approval of the Commission. If, however, at the end of the 
    twelve-month period, the trustee has submitted a plan of divestiture or 
    believes that divestiture can be achieved within a reasonable time, the 
    divestiture period may be extended by the Commission, or, in the case 
    of a court-appointed trustee, by the court; provided, however, the 
    Commission may extend this 12-month period only one (1) time for one 
    (1) year.
        5. The trustee shall have full and complete access to the 
    personnel, books, records and facilities related to any of the 
    supermarkets listed in Paragraph II. (and all assets, leases, 
    properties, business and goodwill, tangible and intangible, utilized in 
    the distribution or sale of groceries at the listed locations) or to 
    any other relevant information, as the trustee may request. Respondents 
    shall develop such financial or other information as such trustee may 
    reasonably request and shall cooperate with the trustee. Respondents 
    shall take no action to interfere with or impede the trustee's 
    accomplishment of the divestitures. Any delays in divestiture caused by 
    respondents shall extend the time for divestiture under this Paragraph 
    in an amount equal to the delay, as determined by the Commission or, 
    for a court-appointed trustee, by the court.
        6. The trustee shall use his or her best efforts to negotiate the 
    most favorable price and terms available in each contract that is 
    submitted to the Commission, subject to respondents' absolute and 
    unconditional obligation to divest at no minimum price. The 
    divestitures shall be made in the manner and to the acquirer or 
    acquirers as set out in Paragraph II. of this order; provided, however, 
    if the trustee receives bona fide offers, for any particular 
    supermarket to be divested, from more than one acquiring entity, and if 
    the Commission determines to approve more than one such acquiring 
    entity for such supermarket, the trustee shall divest to the acquiring 
    entity or entities selected by respondents from among those approved by 
    the Commission.
        7. The trustee shall serve, without bond or other security, at the 
    cost and expense of respondents, on such reasonable and customary terms 
    and conditions as the Commission or a court may set. The trustee shall 
    have the authority to employ, at the cost and expense of respondents, 
    such consultants, accountants, attorneys, investment bankers, business 
    brokers, appraisers, and other representatives and assistants as are 
    necessary to carry out the trustee's duties and responsibilities. The 
    trustee shall account for all monies derived from the sale and all 
    expenses incurred. After approval by the Commission and, in the case of 
    a court-appointed trustee, by the court, of the account of the trustee, 
    including fees for his or her services, all remaining monies shall be 
    paid at the direction of the respondents, and the trustee's power shall 
    be terminated. The trustee's compensation shall be based at least in 
    significant part on a commission arrangement contingent on the 
    trustee's divesting the assets to be divested to satisfy Paragraph II. 
    of this order.
        8. Respondents shall indemnify the trustee and hold the trustee 
    harmless against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses 
    arising out of, or in connection with, the performance of the trustee's 
    duties, including all reasonable fees of counsel and other expenses 
    incurred in connection with the preparation for, or defense or any 
    claim, whether or not resulting in any liability, except to the extent 
    that such liabilities, losses, damages, claims, or expenses result from 
    misfeasance, gross negligence, willful or wanton acts, or bad faith by 
    the trustee.
        9. If the trustee ceases to act or fails to act diligently, a 
    substitute trustee shall be appointed in the same manner as provided in 
    Paragraph III. A. of this order.
        10. The Commission or, in the case of a court-appointed trustee, 
    the court, may on its own initiative or at the request of the trustee 
    issue such additional orders or directions as may be necessary or 
    appropriate to accomplish the divestiture required by this order.
        11. The trustee shall have no obligation or authority to operate or 
    maintain the assets to be divested.
        12. The trustee shall report in writing to respondents and the 
    Commission every ninety (90) days concerning the trustee's efforts to 
    accomplish divestiture.
    IV
        It is further ordered that, for a period of ten (10) years 
    commencing on the date this order becomes final, respondents shall not, 
    without the prior approval of the Commission, directly or indirectly, 
    through subsidiaries, partnerships, or otherwise:
        A. Acquire any stock, share capital, equity, or other interest in 
    any supermarket or leasehold interest in any supermarket located in New 
    York County, New York, south of 116th Street, including any facility 
    that has operated as a supermarket in this area within six (6) months 
    of the date of the proposed acquisition; or
        B. Acquire any stock, share capital, equity, or other interest in: 
    (1) Any entity that owns any interest in or operates any supermarket 
    located in New York County, New York, south of 116th Street, or (2) any 
    entity that owned any interest in or operated any supermarket located 
    in New York County, New York, south of 116th Street with six (6) months 
    of the date of the proposed acquisitions.
    
    Provided, however, that an acquisition otherwise covered by the 
    requirements of this Paragraph shall be exempt from the requirements of 
    this Paragraph if it is an acquisition by John A. Catsimatidis or by a 
    respondent corporation from a respondent corporation or from John A. 
    Catsimatidis.
    V
        It is further ordered that, for a period of ten (10) years 
    commencing on the date this order becomes final, respondents shall 
    neither enter into nor enforce any agreement that restricts the ability 
    of any person (as defined in section 1(a) of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 
    12(a)) acquiring any supermarket owned or operated by any respondent, 
    any leasehold interest in any supermarket, or any interest in any 
    retail location that formerly operated as a supermarket in New York 
    County, New York, south of 116th Street, to operate a supermarket or 
    retail food store.
    VI
        It is further ordered that:
        A. Within sixty (60) days after the date this order becomes final 
    and every sixty (60) days thereafter until respondents have fully 
    complied with the provisions of Paragraph II. or III. of this order, 
    respondents shall submit to the Commission verified written reports 
    setting forth in detail the manner and form in which they intend to 
    comply, are complying, and have complied with Paragraphs II. and III. 
    of this order. Respondents shall include in their compliance reports, 
    among other things that are required from time to time, a full 
    description of the efforts being made to comply with Paragraphs II. and 
    III. of the order, including a description of all substantive contacts 
    or negotiations for the divestiture and the identity of all parties 
    contacted. Respondents shall include in their compliance reports copies 
    of all written communications to and from such parties, all internal 
    memoranda, and all reports and recommendations concerning divestiture.
        B. One year (1) from the date this order becomes final, annually 
    for the next nine (9) years on the anniversary of the date this order 
    becomes final, and at other times as the Commission may require, 
    respondents shall file verified written reports with the Commission 
    setting forth in detail the manner and form in which they have complied 
    and are complying with this order.
    VII
        It is further ordered that respondents shall notify the Commission 
    at least thirty (30) days prior to any proposed change in the corporate 
    respondents such as dissolution, assignment, sale resulting in the 
    emergency of a successor corporation, or the creation or dissolution of 
    subsidiaries or any other change in the corporation that may affect 
    compliance obligations arising out of the order.
    VIII
        It is further ordered that, for the purpose of determining or 
    securing compliance with this order, respondents shall permit any duly 
    authorized representative of the Commission:
        A. Upon five days' written notice to respondents, access, during 
    office hours and in the presence of counsel, to inspect and copy all 
    books, ledgers, accounts, correspondence, memoranda and other records 
    and documents in the possession or under the control of any respondent 
    relating to any matters contained in this order; and
        B. Upon five days' written notice to respondents and without 
    restraint or interference from them, to interview respondents or 
    officers, directors, or employees of respondents in the presence of 
    counsel.
    
    Analysis of Proposed Consent Order To Aid Public Comment
    
        The Federal Trade Commission (``Commission'') has accepted for 
    public comment from Red Apple Companies, Inc., John A. Catsimatidis, 
    Supermarket Acquisition Corporation and Sloan's Supermarkets, Inc. (a/
    k/a Designcraft Industries, Inc.) (collectively referred to as the 
    ``Red Apple respondents'') an agreement containing a proposed consent 
    order. The Commission is placing the agreement containing a proposed 
    consent order on the public record for sixty (60) days for receipt of 
    comments by interested persons.
        Comments received during this period will become part of the public 
    record. After sixty (60) days, the Commission will again review the 
    agreement and the comments received and will decide whether it should 
    withdraw from the agreement or make final the agreement's proposed 
    order.
        The Commission issued a complaint in this matter on May 27, 1994, 
    stating that it has reason to believe that the Red Apple respondents' 
    acquisitions of Sloan's supermarkets between 1991 and 1993 in 
    residential neighborhoods in New York County, New York, located within 
    the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Chelsea, and Greenwich 
    Village would substantially lessen competition in violation of section 
    7 of the Clayton Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. 18, and section 5 of the 
    FTC Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. 45. The agreement containing a proposed 
    consent order would, if issued by the Commission, settle the charges 
    alleged in the Commission's complaint.
        The proposed consent order requires the Red Apple respondents to 
    divest a combination of six supermarkets from two lists of supermarkets 
    organized by geographic market. The listed supermarkets are all located 
    in the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Chelsea, and Greenwich 
    Village. Under the proposed consent order, the Red Apple respondents 
    must divest one supermarket within each of the four geographic markets 
    and two additional supermarkets in those geographic markets. The 
    proposed consent order gives the Red Apple respondents 12 months to 
    divest these supermarkets to an acquirer or acquirers that receive the 
    prior approval of the Commission. Under the proposed consent order, if 
    the Red Apple respondents fail to satisfy the divestiture provisions, 
    the Commission may appoint a trustee to divest supermarkets to satisfy 
    the terms of the order.
        The proposed consent order also prohibits the Red Apple 
    respondents, for a ten-year period, from acquiring, without prior 
    approval from the Commission, any supermarket (or leasehold interest in 
    a supermarket, or stock, share capital, equity or other interest in an 
    entity that owns or operates a supermarket) located in new York County 
    south of 116th Street. The word ``supermarket'' is defined in the 
    order.
        The proposed consent order also prohibits the Red Apple 
    respondents, for a ten-year period, from entering into or enforcing any 
    agreement that restricts the ability of any person acquiring any 
    supermarket owned or operated by any respondent in New York County 
    south of 116th Street to operate a supermarket or retail food store.
        Under the proposed consent order, the Red Apple respondents are 
    required to provide to the Commission a report of compliance with the 
    order within sixty (60) days following the date the order becomes 
    final, every sixty (60) days thereafter until the divestitures are 
    completed, and annually for a period of ten years.
        It is anticipated that the order will resolve the competitive 
    problems alleged in the complaint. The purpose of this analysis is to 
    invite public comment on the proposed consent order to aid the 
    Commission in its determination of whether it should make final the 
    proposed consent order contained in the agreement.
        This analysis is not intended to constitute an official 
    interpretation of the agreement and proposed consent order, nor is it 
    intended to modify the terms of the agreement and proposed consent 
    order in any way.
    Donald S. Clark,
    Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 94-31129 Filed 12-16-94; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6750-01-M
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
12/19/1994
Department:
Federal Trade Commission
Entry Type:
Uncategorized Document
Action:
Proposed Consent Agreement.
Document Number:
94-31129
Dates:
Comments must be received on or before February 17, 1995.
Pages:
0-0 (1 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Federal Register: December 19, 1994, Dkt. 9266