FTC Signs Off on Northrup Grumman/Orbital ATK, With Conditions

The FTC approved with conditions Northrop Grumman buying Orbital ATK, the agency said Tuesday. Under the modified final order terms, Northrop must make its solid rocket motors and related services available on a nondiscriminatory basis to all competitors for missile contracts and must separate the SRM business from the rest of its operations. The settlement lets DOD appoint a compliance officer to oversee Northrup conduct related to the settlement. Commissioners OK'd the order 4-0-1, with new Commissioner Christine Wilson not participating. The deal, announced in September 2017, reflects defense contractor consolidation and isn't expected to affect the commercial space sector. (see 1709180041).