The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed suit today to block the merger of CCC
Information Services Inc. and Mitchell International Inc., saying that it would
thwart competition in the market for electronic estimating systems and total
loss valuation solutions.
The FTC's Acting Bureau of Competition Director David P. Wales said the
merger would "no doubt" reduce competition that benefits auto insurance
companies and collision repair facilities.
The Commission voted 3-0 to
block the merger and will file a complaint in federal district court seeking a
temporary restraining order to stop the merger pending an administrative trial.
The hearing is set for March 31, 2009.
