FTC unanimously moves to block $4 billion merger of mattress giants

The Federal Trade Commission has unanimously voted to block a merger between mattress maker Tempur Sealy and Mattress Firm. The proposed deal, valued at around $4 billion, would have seen the world’s largest mattress supplier acquire the largest bedding retailer in the United States. The FTC claims that the merger would stifle competition, raise prices for consumers, and give the companies excessive power in the mattress supply chain. The acquisition would have granted the combined company 3,000 stores and 71 manufacturing facilities. Both Tempur Sealy and Mattress Firm expressed disappointment with the FTC’s decision.