Announced Actions for January 10, 2003

The Commission has approved a proposed divestiture in the matter concerning Bayer AG's (Bayer) acquisition of Aventis CropSciences Holding S.A. (ACS), the crop protection business of Aventis S.A. (Aventis). On November 1, 2002, per the terms of a May 30, 2002 proposed consent order, Bayer petitioned the Commission to approve the divestiture of Bayer's Acetamiprid Assets (as that term is defined in the order) to Nippon Soda Co., Ltd. Through the action taken today, the Commission has approved that divestiture. The Commission vote to approve the divestiture was 4-0, with Commissioner Sheila Anthony not participating. (FTC File No. 011-0199, Docket No. C4049; staff contact is Wallace W. Easterling, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2936; see press release dated May 30, 2002.)

The Commission has authorized the filing of an amended complaint in the matter currently pending against Turnkey Vending, Inc. (Turnkey). The complaint in this matter, which was filed by the DOJ on behalf of the FTC as part of the "Busted Opportunity" law enforcement sweep, alleged that the defendants sold consumers a fraudulent business opportunity. Through this action, the FTC through the DOJ will add Turnkey co-owner and vice president Jeff Marsh as a defendant in this case. The Commission vote authorizing FTC staff to amend the complaint was 5-0. (FTC File No. X020081, Civ. No. 1:02CV00075 ST; staff contact is James Kohm, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2640; see press release dated June 20, 2002.)