US mergers likely face stiff antitrust scrutiny, lobbying opposition

US airline consolidation speculation is rampant in the domestic media, among financial analysts and within the industry itself, but little focus is being directed to potential antitrust hurdles to large-scale mergers. The US Dept. of Justice almost certainly would review any proposed mergers and already has signaled its interest in examining the potential US Airways takeover of Delta Air Lines (ATWOnline, Nov. 17). DOJ likely will pay particular attention to consolidation's effects on fares ...