DOJ addresses Minnesota's corporate consolidation concerns

Friday, October 27, 2023

In a move signifying the U.S. Justice Department's commitment to tackling corporate consolidation, the Antitrust Division recently made a strategic visit to Minnesota. Spearheading this mission was Jonathan Kanter, the Assistant Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division.

Kanter's visit was marked by a significant antitrust symposium, a collaboration between the Minnesota Farmers Union, the MSBA Antitrust Law Section, and the Mitchell Hamline Antitrust Society.

Here, Kanter emphasized the burgeoning interest among national law school students in antitrust matters. This shows a promising trend of future legal professionals keenly addressing corporate competition concerns.

However, the symposium wasn’t the only highlight. The following day saw Kanter engaging in insightful dialogues with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. They explored potential synergies between state and federal efforts in enforcing antitrust regulations.

This proactive step was further complemented by discussions with state legislators, recognizing Minnesota's progressive stance in the antitrust domain.

To grasp the tangible effects of corporate mergers, Kanter headed to Cherry Valley Farm in Cannon Falls. Here, he witnessed firsthand the ripple effects of consolidation on agricultural businesses.

The farm's owners detailed their challenges – from shifts in sourcing fertilizer due to local businesses merging with larger corporations to the altered landscape of marketplaces for selling their products.

This ongoing consolidation isn't just a statistical concern but deeply impacts farmers' daily operations. As local cooperatives merge into bigger entities, farmers are left navigating a more monopolistic business environment, leading to potential challenges in sourcing and selling.

Kanter's visit to Minnesota underscores the Antitrust Division's dedication to understanding corporate consolidation's grassroots impact. Through collaborative efforts between federal and state bodies, there’s hope for a more balanced and fair competition across industries.