The U.S. and Plaintiff States sought to enjoin the merger between Cargill and Akzo, alleging that the merger would substantially impair competition in the mining and sale of salt products. Cargill and Akzo reached settlement terms with the Plaintiff States, agreeing to divest certain assets in exchange for the ability to enter the merger. Cargill agreed to divest Retsof Stockpile, relevant evaporated salt assets and relevant bulk deicing assets. Akzo agreed to divest Hampton Corners Mine rights. The Department of Justice led the investigation. See also Nixon et al., v. Cargill, Inc., No. 4:97-cv-0687 (E.D.Mo.)April 1997)