9610085 UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA In the Matter of Mahle GmbH, Mahle, Inc., Metal Leve, S.A., and Metal Leve, Inc.
DOCKET NO. C-3746 DECISION AND ORDER The Federal Trade Commission ("Commission"), having initiated an investigation of the acquisition by Mahle GmbH, the parent corporation of Mahle, Inc., of more than 50 percent of the voting securities of Metal Leve, S.A., the parent corporation of Metal Leve, Inc., and having been furnished thereafter with a copy of a draft of complaint which the Bureau of Competition proposed to present to the Commission for its consideration and which, if issued by the Commission, would charge respondents with a violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 45, and a violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 18; and The respondents, their attorneys, and counsel for the Commission having thereafter executed an agreement containing a consent order, an admission by the respondents of all the jurisdictional facts set forth in the aforesaid draft of complaint, a statement that the signing of said agreement is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission by respondents that the law has been violated as alleged in such complaint, and waivers and other provisions as required by the Commission's Rules; and The Commission, having thereafter considered the matter and having determined that it had reason to believe that the respondents have violated the said Acts, and that a complaint should issue stating its charges in that respect, and having thereupon accepted the executed consent agreement and placed such agreement on the public record for a period of sixty (60) days, and having duly considered a comment filed thereafter, and having modified paragraph II.A. in one respect, now in further conformity with the procedure prescribed in § 2.34 of its Rules, the Commission hereby issues its complaint, makes the following jurisdictional findings and enters the following order: 1. Respondent Mahle GmbH is a corporation organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of Germany, with its office and principal place of business located at Pragstrasse 26-46, D-70376 Stuttgart, Germany. 2. Respondent Mahle, Inc. is a corporation organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of Delaware, with its office and principal place of business located at 1 Mahle Drive, Morristown, Tennessee 37815-0798. 3. Respondent Metal Leve, S.A. is a corporation organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of Brazil, with its office and principal place of business located at Rua Brasilio Luz 535, Sao Paulo, SP 04746-901, Brazil. 4. Respondent Metal Leve, Inc. is a corporation organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of Michigan, with its office and principal place of business located at 560 Avis Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108. 5. The Federal Trade Commission has jurisdiction of the subject matter of this proceeding and of the respondents, and the proceeding is in the public interest. ORDER IT IS ORDERED that, as used in this Order, the following definitions shall apply:
2. all assets, properties, business and goodwill, tangible and intangible, of Metal Leve, S.A. worldwide relating to: (i) the research, development, manufacture, or sale of Articulated Pistons or Other Pistons manufactured in the United States, (ii) the research, development, manufacture, or sale of Articulated Pistons anywhere in the world, and (iii) the research, development, manufacture or sale of Other Diesel Pistons sold in the United States; including, without limitation, the following:
Provided, that this definition of the Metal Leve, Inc. Business does not include research and development conducted after the divestiture required by this Order. 1. "Metal Leve, S.A. Piston Business" means all assets, properties, business and goodwill, tangible and intangible, relating to the manufacture or sale of Articulated Pistons and Other Pistons by Metal Leve, S.A. or Metal Leve, Inc. anywhere in the world, including, without limitation, the following:
2. all trademarks; 3. all machinery, fixtures, equipment, vehicles, transportation facilities, furniture, tools and other tangible personal property; 4. inventory and storage capacity; 5. all customer lists, distribution agreements, vendor lists, catalogs, sales promotion literature, and advertising materials; 6. exclusive rights to all research materials,
technical information, inventions, trade secrets,
intellectual property, patents, technology, know-how
(including, but not limited to manufacturing know-how),
specifications, designs, drawings, processes, quality
control data, and formulas relating to the manufacture of
Articulated Pistons or Other Pistons by Metal Leve; 7. all rights, titles and interests in and to owned or leased real property, together with appurtenances, licenses and permits; 8. all rights, titles and interests in and to the contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business with customers (together with associated bid and performance bonds), suppliers, sales representatives, distributors, agents, personal property lessors, personal property lessees, licensors, licensees, consignors and consignees; 9. all rights under warranties and guarantees, express or implied; 10. all books, records, and files; and 11. all items of prepaid expense. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
1. The Commission shall select the trustee, subject to the consent of Respondents, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The trustee shall be a person with experience and expertise in acquisitions and divestitures. If respondent has not opposed, in writing, including the reasons for opposing, the selection of any proposed trustee within ten (10) days after notice by the staff of the Commission to Respondents of the identity of any proposed trustee, Respondents shall be deemed to have consented to the selection of the proposed trustee. 2. Subject to the prior approval of the Commission, the trustee shall have the exclusive power and authority to divest the Metal Leve, Inc. Business and shall have the power to add to the Metal Leve, Inc. Business all or any part of the Metal Leve, S.A. Piston Business in order to accomplish the divestiture required by this Order. 3. Within ten (10) days after appointment of the trustee, Respondents shall execute a trust agreement that, subject to the prior approval of the Commission (and, in the case of a court-appointed trustee, of the court), transfers to the trustee all rights and powers necessary to permit the trustee to effect the divestiture of the Metal Leve, Inc. Business, to add to the Metal Leve, Inc. Business all or any part of the Metal Leve, S.A. Piston Business, and to divest such additional ancillary assets of Metal Leve S.A. and effect such additional arrangements, in order to assure the viability, competitiveness, and marketability of the Metal Leve, Inc. Business so as to expeditiously accomplish the remedial purposes of this Order. 4. The trustee shall have twelve (12) months to accomplish the divestiture required by this Order, which shall be subject to the prior approval of the Commission. If, however, at the end of the twelve (12) month period, the trustee has submitted a plan of divestiture or believes that divestiture can be achieved within a reasonable time, the divestiture period may be extended by the Commission (or, in the case of a court-appointed trustee, by the court); provided, however, the Commission may extend this period for no more than two (2) additional terms of six (6) months each. 5. The trustee shall have full and complete access to the personnel, books, records, and facilities related to the Metal Leve, Inc. Business or the Metal Leve, S.A. Piston Business, or to any other relevant information, as the trustee may request. Respondents shall develop such financial or other information as such trustee may request and shall cooperate with the trustee. Respondents shall take no action to interfere with or impede the trustee's accomplishment of the divestiture. Any delays in divestiture caused by the respondent shall extend the time for divestiture under this Paragraph III in an amount equal to the delay, as determined by the Commission (or, in the case of a court-appointed trustee, by the court). 6. The trustee shall use his or her best efforts to negotiate the most favorable price and terms available in each contract that is submitted to the Commission, subject to Respondents' absolute and unconditional obligation to divest at no minimum price. The divestiture shall be made in the manner, and to the acquirer or acquirers, as set out in Paragraph II of this Order; provided, however, if the trustee receives bona fide offers from more than one acquiring entity, and if the Commission approves more than one such acquiring entity, then the trustee shall divest to the acquiring entity or entities selected by Respondents from among those approved by the Commission. 7. The trustee shall serve, without bond or other security, at the cost and expense of Respondents, on such reasonable and customary terms and conditions as the Commission or a court may set. The trustee shall have authority to employ, at the cost and expense of Respondents, such consultants, accountants, attorneys, investment bankers, business brokers, appraisers, and other representatives and assistants as are necessary to carry out the trustee's duties and responsibilities. The trustee shall account for all monies derived from the divestiture and all expenses incurred. After approval by the Commission (and, in the case of a court-appointed trustee, by the court), of the account of the trustee, including fees for his or her services, all remaining monies shall be paid at the direction of Respondents and the trustee's power shall be terminated. The trustee's compensation shall be based at least in significant part on a commission arrangement (based on sales price) contingent on the trustee's accomplishing the divestiture required by this Order. 8. Respondents shall indemnify the trustee and hold the trustee harmless against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses arising out of, or in connection with, the performance of the trustee's duties, including all reasonable fees of counsel and other expenses incurred in connection with the preparation for, or defense of any claim, whether or not resulting in any liability, except to the extent that such liabilities, losses, damages, claims, or expenses result from misfeasance, gross negligence, recklessness, willful or wanton acts, or bad faith by the trustee. 9. If the trustee ceases to act or fails to act diligently, a substitute trustee shall be appointed in the same manner as provided in Paragraph III.A. of this Order. 10. The Commission (or, in the case of a court-appointed trustee, the court) may on its own initiative or at the request of the trustee issue such additional orders or directions as may be necessary or appropriate to accomplish the divestiture required by this Order. 11. The trustee shall have no obligation or authority to operate or maintain the Metal Leve, Inc. Business or the Metal Leve, S.A. Piston Business. 12. The trustee shall report in writing to Respondents and the Commission every thirty (30) days concerning the trustee's efforts to accomplish the divestiture. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, for a period of ten (10) years from the date this Order becomes final, Respondents shall not, without prior notification to the Commission, directly or indirectly:
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that within thirty (30) days after the date this Order becomes final, and every thirty (30) days thereafter until Respondents have fully complied with the provisions of Paragraphs II and III of this Order, Respondents shall submit to the Commission verified written reports setting forth in detail the manner and form in which Respondents intend to comply, are complying, and have complied with Paragraphs II and III of this Order. Respondents shall include in their compliance reports, among other things that are required from time to time, a full description of the efforts being made to comply with Paragraphs II and III of the Order, including a description of all substantive contacts or negotiations for the divestiture and the identity of all parties that have contacted Respondents or that have been contacted by Respondents. Respondents shall include in their compliance reports copies of all written communications to and from such parties, all internal memoranda, and all reports and recommendations concerning divestiture. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that one (1) year from the date this Order becomes final, annually for the next nine (9) years on the anniversary of the date this Order becomes final, and at such other times as the Commission may require, Respondents shall file a verified written report with the Commission setting forth in detail the manner and form in which they have complied and are complying with Paragraph IV of this Order. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondents shall notify the Commission at least thirty (30) days prior to any proposed change in the corporate Respondents, such as dissolution, assignment, sale resulting in the emergence of a successor corporation, the creation or dissolution of subsidiaries, or any other change in Mahle GmbH, Mahle, Inc., Metal Leve, S.A., or Metal Leve, Inc. that may affect compliance obligations arising out of the Order. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, for the purpose of determining or securing compliance with this Order, and Respondents shall permit any duly authorized representatives of the Commission: A. Access, during office hours and in the presence of counsel, to inspect and copy all books, ledgers, accounts, correspondence, memoranda and other records and documents in the possession or under the control of Respondents relating to any matters contained in this Order; and B. Upon five (5) days notice to Respondents, and without restraint or interference, to interview officers, employees, or agents of Respondents. By the Commission. Benjamin I. Berman Acting Secretary ISSUED: June 4, 1997 SEAL AGREEMENT TO HOLD SEPARATE This Agreement to Hold Separate (the "Agreement") is by and among Mahle GmbH, a German corporation and an entity included within its "ultimate parent entity" as that term is defined in 16 C.F.R. § 801.1(a)(3), MABEG, e.V., with its principal office and place of business at Pragstrasse 26-46, D-70376 Stuttgart, Germany; Mahle Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Delaware and a wholly owned subsidiary of Mahle GmbH, with its principal office and place of business at 1 Mahle Drive, Morristown, Tennessee 37815-0798, (collectively referred to as "Mahle"); Metal Leve, S.A., a Brazilian corporation with its principal office and place of business at Rua Brasilo Luz 535, Sao Paolo, SP 04746-901, Brazil; Metal Leve, Inc., a corporation and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Metal Leve S.A. organized and existing under the laws of Michigan, with its principal office and place of business at 560 Avis Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108 (collectively referred to as "Metal Leve"); and the Federal Trade Commission (the "Commission"), an independent agency of the United States Government, established under the Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914, 15 U.S.C. 41, et seq. (collectively, the "Parties"). WHEREAS, on June 11, 1996, Mahle entered into a Purchase Agreement to acquire 50.1% of the voting shares of Metal Leve S.A. (hereinafter the "Acquisition"); and WHEREAS, this Acquisition was subject to the prior notification requirements of the Hart Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, 15 U.S.C. § 18a ("HSR Act"); and WHEREAS, on or before June 26, 1996, Mahle consummated the Acquisition without MABEG, e.V. or Mahle filing notification with the Commission or the Department of Justice pursuant to the HSR Act, and without observing the waiting periods required by that Act; and WHEREAS, on July 22, 1996, Mahle, on behalf of MABEG, e.V. and Metal Leve submitted filings pursuant to the HSR Act; and WHEREAS, Mahle and Metal Leve produce pistons for sale in the United States; and WHEREAS, the Commission is now investigating the Acquisition to determine if it violates Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. §18; Section 5 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. § 45; or any other statute enforced by the Commission; and WHEREAS, the Commission is concerned that if an understanding is not reached, further changes in the operation and organization of Metal Leve by Mahle or its nominees during the period prior to the final resolution of the Commission's investigation of the Acquisition, may preclude an effective remedy; and WHEREAS, the Commission is concerned that it is necessary to preserve the Commission's ability to seek an effective remedy and the Commission's right to seek to restore Metal Leve as a viable competitor; and WHEREAS, the purpose of this Agreement is to: (i) preserve Mahle's and Metal Leve's piston businesses and other businesses as viable independent businesses pending the Commission's investigation, and (ii) prevent any anticompetitive effects resulting from the Acquisition; and WHEREAS, Mahle and Metal Leve entering into this Agreement shall in no way be construed as an admission by Mahle or Metal Leve that the Acquisition is in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act or Section 5 of the FTC Act; and WHEREAS, Mahle and Metal Leve understand that this Agreement shall in no way limit civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day under § 7A(g)(1) of the Clayton Act for failing to file notifications and for continuing to hold stock in violation of the HSR Act; and WHEREAS, Mahle and Metal Leve understand that no act or transaction contemplated by this Agreement shall be deemed immune or exempt from the provisions of the antitrust laws or the Federal Trade Commission Act by reason of anything contained in this Agreement; and WHEREAS, the Commission has not yet determined whether the Acquisition will be challenged under any statute it enforces. NOW, THEREFORE, Mahle and Metal Leve agree, in consideration of the Commission's agreement that the Commission will not seek further relief from Mahle or Metal Leve under Section 7A(g)(2) of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. § 18(a)(g)(2), except that the Commission may exercise any and all rights to enforce this Agreement, and, in the event that the Parties do not comply with the terms of this Agreement, to seek further relief, as follows: 1. Mahle and Metal Leve agree to execute and be bound by this Agreement. 2. Mahle and Metal Leve agree that from the date they sign this Agreement until the earliest of the dates listed in subparagraphs 2.a - 2.b, they will comply with the provisions of paragraph 3 of this Agreement:
3. Mahle will hold Metal Leve separate and apart on the following terms and conditions:
4. Should the Commission or the United States institute any action under this Agreement, the FTC Act, or the Clayton Act, arising from this Acquisition, Mahle and Metal Leve waive any objection based on lack of personal jurisdiction. Mahle and Metal Leve appoint the attorneys identified below to accept service of process in any such action. 5. Should the Commission seek in a proceeding to compel Mahle to divest itself of Metal Leve or to compel Mahle to divest any assets or businesses of Metal Leve, or seek any other injunctive or equitable relief, neither Mahle nor Metal Leve shall raise any objection based upon this Agreement; and should the United States seek civil penalties under the HSR Act, neither Mahle nor Metal Leve shall raise any objection based on this Agreement. Mahle and Metal Leve also waive the right to contest the validity of this Agreement. 6. For the purpose of determining or securing compliance with this Agreement, subject to any legally recognized privilege, and upon written request with reasonable notice to Mahle and Metal Leve made to their principal offices, Mahle and Metal Leve shall permit any duly authorized representative or representatives of the Commission:
7. For the purpose of determining or securing compliance with this Agreement:
8. The Parties agree to publicize this Agreement by taking the following actions:
9. This Agreement shall be effective and binding immediately upon signing by Mahle and Metal Leve, but is subject to acceptance of the Commission. MAHLE GmbH MAHLE, Inc. ATTORNEYS FOR MAHLE GmbH, and MAHLE
Inc. Haven C. Roosevelt, Esq METAL LEVE, Inc. ATTORNEYS FOR METAL LEVE, S.A. and
METAL LEVE, Inc. Jay A. Herbst, Esq. |