In the Matter of LQ Management, LLC and La Quinta Franchising LLC
State investigated “call-arounds” by hotels, in which when one hotel employee contacts competing hotels and exchanges with them information concerning their respective current room rates and occupancy rates. Such call-arounds or information exchanges generally happen multiple times daily by phone or internet. this information is not otherwise public. The state alleged that competitors of La Quinta have used call-around information to raise their prices on a regular basis, violating the Connecticut Antitrust Act. Defendants agreed to end the practice in their hotel chain, which operates five hotels in Connecticut. La Quinta’s agreement to end call-arounds covers all La Quinta hotels nationally. The prohibition does not prevent hotels from reviewing commercially available reports and information, communicating with any other hotel or motel on behalf of a specific guest seeking to relocate, or communicating with any other hotel/motel to accommodate guests in the event of a state of emergency, disaster or similar situation.
Connecticut v. K&S Aktiongesellschaft (Ct.Super.Ct. Oct. 13, 2009)
In state action parallel to FTC action, Connecticut settled with parties to a merger of salt producers who had both had contracts with the state DOT for road deicing. Road deicing assets were divested to a regional company in order to preserve competition for Connecticut road de-icing contracts. The merging parties were required to provide up to 120,000 tons of de-icing salt for three years.
Connecticut v. Nutmeg Test Boring, No. CV-84-298394 (Conn. Super Ct. Hartford Dist.1984)
Trade association and its members were enjoined from fixing the prices for industrial drilling and test-boring services, and from communicating certain pricing information with each other.
Connecticut v. Amity Package, CV-84-228912 (Conn. Super Ct., New Haven Dist. 1984)
Association of retail liquor dealers were enjoined from jointly advertising various featured items at a uniform price.
Connecticut v. Serlin Group
Association of retail liquor dealers were enjoined from jointly advertising various featured items at a uniform price.
Connecticut v. Super Saver Liquor Outlets, No. CV-84-228911 (Conn. Super Ct., New Haven Dist.)
Association of retail liquor dealers were enjoined from jointly advertising various featured items at a uniform price.
Connecticut v. Danilow Pastry Co., Inc., No. CV 83-028-7470 (Conn. Super Ct., Hartford Dist. 1983)
Following USDOJ criminal investigation, wholesale bakeries were enjoined from fixing prices and exchanging prices of various baked goods. Conspiracy impacted Connecticut and New York market area.
Connecticut v. Auto-Time, No. CV-83-290265 (Conn. Super. Ct., Hartford Dist.1983)
The exclusive New England distributor of Seiko branded watches was enjoined from engaging in resale price maintenance, following complaints of dealer terminations
Connecticut v. Mobilia, Inc. No. CV-81-0065134 (Conn. Super. Ct. New London Dist.)
Owner of mobile home park engaged in unlawful tying arrangement by conditioning the lease of rental site on the lessee’s agreement to purchase a mobile home from the park owner.
In the Matter of USI Consulting Group
State alleged kickback scheme by pension plan broker, who was paid by insurers for access to potential business. Broker agreed to injunctive relief changing its practices and $470,000.
