FTC Set to Clear Nestle-Ralston Deal

Staff attorneys at the Federal Trade Commission have recommended the agency approve Nestle’s plan to acquire Ralston Purina Co. as long as the companies divest themselves of some dry cat-food brands, a source familiar with the case said.

The companies have agreed to sell part of their dry cat-food business to Hartz Mountain Corp., which is owned by investment firm J.W. Childs Associates, according to the source.

A vote on the deal could come as early as next week.

The merger, which was proposed in January, would bring together such household names as Ralston’s Dog and Cat Chow and Nestle’s Friskies cat food and Mighty Dog brands.

At least one rival pet food maker has complained to the FTC about the size and might of a combined Nestle and Ralston Purina.