FTC Informs Linde AG That It May Retain Its Northern and Southern California Helium Transfills

The Commission has informed Linde AG that it may retain its Richmond and City of Industry, California, helium transfills. The FTC’s order in this matter, issued on August 29, 2006, requires Linde to divest these helium transfill stations to Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation (TNSC) unless TNSC builds its own helium transfills in California within the time provided.

The monitor appointed by the Commission to oversee Linde’s obligations has certified that TNSC has completed new helium transfill stations in Irwindale and Newark, California, that meet the criteria set forth in the Order. Accordingly, the Commission has notified Linde that it may retain its California helium transfills.

The Commission vote approving notifying Linde that it may retain the Richmond and City of Industry, California, helium transfills was 4-0. (FTC Docket No. C-4163; the staff contact is Roberta S. Baruch, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2861; see press releases dated July 18, September 5, and December 1, 2006; March 9, 2007; and September 12, 2008.)

Commission Approves Final Consent Order with Huntsman Corporation and Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Inc.

– Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order with Huntsman Corporation and Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Inc. The vote approving the final order was 4-0. (FTC File No. 071-0212; the staff contact is Wallace W. Easterling, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2936; see press release dated October 2, 2008, at http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/hexion.shtm).

Copies of the documents mentioned in this release are available from the FTC’s Web site at http://www.ftc.gov and from the FTC’s Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20580. Call toll-free: 1-877-FTC-HELP.

(FYI 55.2008.wpd)