Statement by FTC Bureau of Competition Director Bruce Hoffman on the Court Granting a Preliminary Injunction in the Tronox/Cristal Matter

Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Competition Director Bruce Hoffman issued the following statement regarding the U.S. District Court ruling today that granted the FTC’s request for a preliminary injunction in the proposed merger of Tronox Limited and Cristal. The companies are top suppliers in the United States and Canada of chloride process titanium dioxide (TiO2), a white pigment used in paints, industrial coatings, plastic and paper:

“The Court’s ruling temporarily blocking Tronox’s proposed acquisition of Cristal is good news for North American customers of chloride process titanium dioxide, including paint and plastics manufacturers. We believe the proposed acquisition would significantly reduce competition for customers in the United States, and we look forward to a positive resolution of the administrative trial on the merits. That trial concluded on June 22, 2018, and post-trial briefing will end shortly, after which Administrative Law Judge D. Michael Chappell will issue an initial decision.”