CHICAGO and SAN DIEGO – CCC Information Services and Mitchell International announced yesterday that they will no longer pursue the merger of the two companies.

Earlier this week it was announced that the U.S. Federal District Court in the District of Columbia has granted the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) request for a preliminary injunction, enjoining CCC Information Services and Mitchell International from closing their previously announced merger, pending resolution of the FTC’s administrative trial currently set to begin on March 31.The FTC in November 2008 filed suit  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.

“In light of the court’s decision, we have jointly decided to terminate the merger," said Githesh Ramamurthy, chairman and CEO of CCC. "A year ago when we announced the transaction, our stated objective was to deliver greater innovation to our customers and partners. This theme has remained a constant and will continue to be at the forefront of our efforts."

“Serving our customers has always been our primary focus," added Alex Sun, president and CEO of Mitchell International. "We have reached the point in the regulatory process in which our customers, employees and shareholders are best served by continuing as independent companies.”