Reading Room Document

Request of your predecessor that I review and reconsider the principles involved in several instances of unfavorable advice rendered by the Antitrust Division of this Department pursuant to § 207 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of

The document discusses the Antitrust Division's concerns about the government's non-competitive sales of industrial facilities, which could result in windfall gains for some purchasers. The document presents a case where a plant was sold at a far higher price through a competitive-bid sale compared to the negotiated sale price. The Attorney General acknowledges the government's responsibility to prevent windfalls and suggests that techniques for conducting sales should meet the objectives of the government without disregarding the antitrust laws. The document raises questions about the competitive disadvantage to outside bidders and the need to develop techniques for conducting sales that align with antitrust objectives.

August 6, 1965