In addition, the government will charge Schnucks with failing to divest all the required assets within the allotted time. Specifically, the complaint will allege, Schnucks did not divest the real estate underlying four of the stores it divested to Family Company of America until October 1996. The complaint and proposed stipulation will be filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri by FTC attorneys. The Commission vote to notify the Department of Justice of its intention to file the settlement was 5-0. This stipulation is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission by the defendant of a law violation.
Settlements have the force of law when signed by the judge.