DOJ Antitrust Chief Prefers Merger Lawsuits Over Settlements

The U.S. Justice Department’s new antitrust chief says he will favor filing lawsuits to block problematic mergers rather than accept settlements that allow companies to proceed with their deals.

Jonathan Kanter said Monday night at a New York Bar Association event that the settlements that are frequently negotiated with government antitrust officials often suffer from “significant deficiencies” and fail to protect competition in markets.

“When the division concludes that a merger is likely to lessen competition, in most situations we should seek a simple injunction to block the transaction,” Kanter said. “It is the surest way to preserve competition.”

Kanter’s ...