Patterson Beats Securities Suit Over Alleged Price-Fixing Scheme

Patterson Cos. and its board don’t have to face a lawsuit claiming they damaged the company’s finances and reputation by conspiring to fix dental supply prices, a District of Minnesota judge ruled.

The derivative suit accused Patterson’s directors of exposing it to investigations, legal fees, lawsuits, and settlements by participating in a market manipulation scheme with the country’s other top dental suppliers, Henry Schein Inc. and Benco Dental Supply Co. It was filed by a shareholder in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.

Different combinations of the three dental suppliers, which together control 85% of the market, ...