The Organization For Competitive Markets is monitoring the bidding process for the acquisition of Dean Foods assets following the company’s decision to file for bankruptcy. Earlier Dean had received an offer from Dairy Farmers of America to purchase some of their assets however they have now withdrawn that offer. That move allows for a competitive bidding process. OCM Policy and Research Director Ben Gotschall says that competitive bidding is what’s needed to address concentration concerns.
He says OCM wants to see more groups involved in the sale of Dean’s assets to avoid a large entity from taking over and creating more concentration problems in the future.
Gotschall says OCM continues to push for legislation to place a moratorium on large agricultural mergers and for more Justice Department oversight into any possible antitrust violations as a result of large company mergers.
Gotschall says one concern they have is that Dairy Farmers of America remains in the running for purchasing some assets of Dean Foods.
