RESPONDENT:Connecticut National Bank
LOCATION:Central Intelligence Agency Headquarters
DOCKET NO.: 73-767
DECIDED BY: Burger Court (1972-1975)
LOWER COURT:
CITATION: 418 US 656 (1974)
ARGUED: Apr 23, 1974
DECIDED: Jun 26, 1974
ADVOCATES:
George D. Reycraft – for appellees The Connecticut National Bank and others
Howard E. Shapiro – for appellant
Lee Loevinger – for appellee Comptroller of the Currency
Question
Media for United States v. Connecticut National Bank
Audio Transcription for Oral Argument – April 23, 1974 in United States v. Connecticut National Bank
Audio Transcription for Opinion Announcement – June 26, 1974 in United States v. Connecticut National Bank
Lewis F. Powell, Jr.:
The Connecticut National Bank case is another civil antitrust case brought under Section 7 of the Clayton Act.
Here the government challenged the validity of a proposed consolidation between the fourth and the eighth largest banks in Connecticut.
There was no significant direct competition and the government’s challenge is based solely on a potential-competition doctrine.
The District Court for Connecticut concluded that there was no violation of Antitrust Laws.
The government appealed the case directly to us under the Expediting Act.
As we think the District Court erred in its determination of the appropriate line of commerce and the relevant geographic market, we vacate and remand the case for reconsideration in light of our opinion today and the prior precedents of this Court.
All members of the Court would vacate and remand, but for different reasons.
Mr. Justice Douglas, Mr. Justice Brennan, Mr. Justice White and Mr. Justice Marshall joined in part one of the Court’s opinion which deals with appropriate line of commerce.
Mr. Justice White has filed an opinion concurring in this respect, but otherwise dissenting.
His opinion has been joined by Mr. Justice Douglas, Mr. Justice Brennan and Mr. Justice Marshall.
Warren E. Burger:
Thank you Mr. Justice Powell.