The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the plaintiff States sought to enjoin the acquisition of Eastern Environmental Services, Inc. (Eastern) by Waste Management Services, Inc. (WMI), alleging the merger would substantially lessen competition in the waste hauling business. In order to consummate the merger, the waste hauling companies agreed to divest certain assets in the affected States; and the companies agreed to maintain the relevant disposal assets as viable, competitive businesses until those assets were sold.