A proposed merger between Smithfield Foods – the nation’s number one hog producer – and Premium Standard Farms – the country’s second-largest pork producer and one of the biggest pork processors – has gained the attention of the Missouri Attorney General. Spokesman Scott Holste says Jay Nixon is concerned the merger might violate state anti-trust laws as well as hurt farmers and consumers. Holste says Nixon will be checking with his counterparts throughout the country. Holste says Nixon has been successful in getting companies to restructure mergers in the past, pointing to the restructured takeover by Smithfield of Murphy Family Farms in 2000.
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