‘Strong’ or ‘Oxymoron’? Experts Discuss FTC’s Mattress Merger Lawsuit

An antitrust theory known as “mortgage foreclosure” could decide whether mattress maker Tempur Sealy is allowed to complete its planned $4 billion acquisition of retailer Mattress Firm.

The Federal Trade Commission has a “pretty solid” case to oppose Tempur Sealy’s proposed vertical merger, according to antitrust expert Harry First, but another antitrust expert suggests it could be a “tough ask” for the FTC to win a foreclosure dispute in court.