The acquisition itself also raised antitrust concerns, the FTC noted. After learning that it had occurred, the FTC investigated and ultimately the Commission required Sara Lee to divest several brands in order to restore competition allegedly reduced by the transaction. The investigation into Sara Lee's HSR Act violations followed that action. The documents were filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, on Feb. 6. This consent judgment is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission by the defendant of a law violation.
Consent judgments have the force of law when signed by the judge.