Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have enlisted four former government antitrust experts to rebut a letter from seven Republican state attorneys general urging regulators to reject their proposed merger. In a nine-page filing to the Surface Transportation Board, the experts argued that merger complaints are conjecture rather than proof and cited case histories showing opponents often act to protect their own interests. The attorneys general had claimed the deal would not enhance competition and would raise costs for shippers and consumers. The experts countered that single-line integration can create lower-cost, more efficient service and that railroad competitors are not disinterested observers. STB Chairman Patrick Fuchs has said the deal will be judged on its own merits.
Norfolk Southern CorporationMerger faces antitrust objections; experts rebut, outcome uncertain.
Union Pacific CorporationMerger faces antitrust objections; experts rebut, outcome uncertain.
