Learning From DOJ's Parker Hannifin Merger Challenge

On Sept. 26, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit challenging Parker Hannifin Corporation’s consummated acquisition of Clarcor Inc., a transaction that was reported to the DOJ and the Federal Trade Commission under the Hart-ScottRodino Act and for which the HSR waiting period had expired.

The complaint alleges that the merger substantially lessened competition and created a monopoly in markets for aviation fuel filtration products in the United States, and seeks divestiture of either Parker’s or Clarcor’s aviation fuel filtration assets.