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Greystar and other landlords agree to a $141M deal to settle a rent-setting lawsuit
Yahoo Finance· 2025-10-03 19:12
Core Points - Real estate company Greystar and 25 other property management firms have agreed to pay over $141 million to settle a class action lawsuit related to rent-setting algorithms from RealPage [1][2] - Greystar will contribute $50 million to the settlement, pending judicial approval [1] - The settlement includes a stipulation that companies will no longer share nonpublic information with RealPage, addressing concerns of anticompetitive behavior [2] Company Actions - All companies involved deny any wrongdoing but will assist plaintiffs in ongoing litigation against RealPage and other firms [3] - Greystar has previously settled a related antitrust lawsuit with the Department of Justice [3] - The settlement funds will be distributed among millions of affected tenants [4] RealPage's Position - RealPage denies any wrongdoing, asserting that its software is used on less than 10% of rental units in the U.S. and that its pricing recommendations are not always followed [5][6] - The company claims that its revenue management products are legal and that the litigation lacks merit [6]
The Trump admin. and tech sector are pushing to give Intel foundry contracts for volume: Ray Wang
Youtube· 2025-10-02 11:33
Group 1 - Intel shares increased by 7% recently, reflecting a significant rise of 40% over the past month, indicating strong investor interest and potential profitability [1] - The U.S. government's emerging industrial policy is influencing the semiconductor industry, particularly benefiting companies like Intel and AMD, as they seek to establish foundry capabilities in the U.S. [1] - Intel faces challenges in manufacturing, particularly in achieving 2 nanometer technology to compete with TSMC, and will need more customers to increase production volume [1] Group 2 - AMD's market cap previously reached $270 billion while Intel was below $100 billion, but Intel is now catching up due to external factors rather than its own advancements [1] - There is speculation that AMD may be seeking partnerships to avoid tariffs and enhance its market position, indicating a strategic shift in the industry [2] - Nvidia is facing potential antitrust scrutiny as it navigates complex contract relationships and chip allocation, which could impact its market dynamics [3][4] Group 3 - Nvidia has contracts that allow it to resell up to 50% of the capacity it allocates to large hyperscalers, raising questions about the depth of its contractual relationships [4][6] - The semiconductor industry is experiencing a chip shortage, complicating the allocation process among major players like Nvidia, Tesla, and others [5] - The government may play a role in supporting Intel's growth by providing contracts that could exempt companies from tariffs, indicating a strategic alignment between government policy and corporate interests [1]
DOJ granted brief stay in Visa debit case
Yahoo Finance· 2025-10-02 09:10
Core Insights - The U.S. Justice Department has received a temporary stay in its antitrust lawsuit against Visa due to a government funding lapse, which has affected the ability of DOJ attorneys to work on the case [8] - Visa holds over 60% of the U.S. debit card transaction market and generates more than $7 billion annually in processing fees, leading to allegations of operating an illegal monopoly [5][4] - The lawsuit, which has been ongoing since the Trump administration, claims that Visa imposes agreements that exclude competitors from the debit processing market, a claim Visa denies [6][4] Group 1 - The DOJ's lawsuit against Visa alleges illegal monopoly practices in the debit card market [4] - Visa's market share in the U.S. debit card transactions is over 60%, with Mastercard holding less than 25% [5] - Visa has not opposed the temporary stay requested by the DOJ, which allows for ongoing negotiations regarding document subpoenas [3][8] Group 2 - Prior to the funding lapse, Visa and the DOJ reported progress in negotiations about the electronic debit card data to be produced for discovery [7] - The court has granted a stay in the proceedings, which will last until government funding is restored [8] - Visa's motion to dismiss the complaint was denied, indicating the court's willingness to proceed with the case [6]
Zillow, Redfin sued by New York, 4 other states over rental listings after feds alleged $100M payoff
New York Post· 2025-10-01 17:25
Core Viewpoint - Zillow Group and Redfin are facing antitrust lawsuits from five states for allegedly conspiring to limit competition in online rental listings, including a $100 million payment from Zillow to Redfin to cease apartment advertising [1][3]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The antitrust lawsuit was filed by the attorneys general of Virginia, Arizona, Connecticut, New York, and Washington in federal court [1]. - The Federal Trade Commission has also filed a similar lawsuit against the companies [1]. - The lawsuits are based on a February agreement between Zillow and Redfin, which, along with Apartments.com owner CoStar, dominate the revenue from US online rental ads [2][6]. Group 2: Allegations and Implications - In return for the $100 million, Redfin allegedly agreed to terminate advertising contracts with larger apartment building managers, refrain from entering that market for nine years, and only display rentals that Zillow also lists [3][8]. - The attorneys general argue that this agreement would result in higher prices and worse terms for advertisers, negatively impacting renters by reducing competition [3]. - Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares stated that the arrangement harms both renters and property owners by undermining market incentives for quality services [4]. Group 3: Company Responses and Context - Zillow and Redfin maintain that their agreement enhances access for property managers and advertisers to a broader renter base, ultimately benefiting renters by providing more listings [5]. - Redfin expressed confidence in prevailing in court [7]. - Zillow is also facing a separate lawsuit from Compass, which accuses it of attempting to monopolize private home listings [7].
States sue Zillow, Redfin for alleged antitrust violation in online rental housing
CNBC· 2025-10-01 15:16
Core Viewpoint - Attorneys general from five states have filed a lawsuit against Zillow and Redfin, alleging anti-competitive practices in the online housing rental market, following a similar lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission [1][2]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit claims that Zillow paid Redfin $100 million to cease its apartment rental advertising business and transfer its clients to Zillow, which is seen as a tactic to eliminate competition [2][3]. - The agreement is described as a maneuver to insulate Zillow from direct competition with Redfin, potentially harming renters by reducing options and increasing costs [3][4]. - The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent the alleged collusion and proposes restructuring the businesses to foster competition [5]. Group 2: Market Impact - Zillow, Redfin, and CoStar, which owns Apartments.com, dominate the market, accounting for 85% of all market revenue, indicating a significant concentration of power in the online rental space [4]. - Following the announcement of the lawsuit, shares of Zillow and Redfin's parent company, Rocket Companies, experienced a decline, reflecting investor concerns over the legal challenges [6][7]. Group 3: Company Responses - Redfin has publicly disagreed with the allegations, asserting that the partnership with Zillow has expanded access to rental listings and allowed for cost reductions, which they claim benefits apartment seekers [6]. - Zillow has not yet provided a comment on the lawsuit from the states [6].
Five US states file antitrust lawsuit against Zillow, Redfin
Reuters· 2025-10-01 14:51
Core Viewpoint - Five U.S. states have initiated an antitrust lawsuit against Zillow Group and Redfin Corp, alleging that the companies have engaged in an illegal scheme to eliminate competition for apartment advertisements [1] Group 1: Companies Involved - Zillow Group and Redfin Corp are the primary companies named in the antitrust lawsuit [1] Group 2: Legal Context - The lawsuit is filed by five U.S. states, indicating a significant legal challenge for the companies involved [1] - The allegations suggest that the companies are attempting to coordinate their actions to suppress competition in the apartment advertising market [1]
Google willing to share digital ad data with publishers to address monopoly, executive testifies
New York Post· 2025-09-30 22:08
Google is willing to cough up more advertising data to publishers to address concerns about its illegal monopoly over digital advertising technology, a top executive at the search giant said Tuesday.Glenn Berntson, an engineering director for Google Ad Manager, acknowledged the potential remedy during the second week of a high-stakes antitrust trial in Virginia federal court. He was called as a witness by Google’s defense lawyers.Providing “publishers with these detailed insights, I think, is a good idea,” ...
FTC sues Zillow and Redfin over deal it accuses of supressing competition in rental ads
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-30 21:32
Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is suing Zillow and Redfin for allegedly entering an illegal agreement that suppresses competition in online rental advertising [1][5]. Group 1: Allegations and Details of the Agreement - The FTC claims that the agreement began in February when Zillow paid Redfin $100 million, in exchange for Redfin ending contracts with advertising partners and stopping competing ads for multifamily properties for up to nine years [2]. - Redfin reportedly laid off hundreds of employees shortly after the announcement of this plan and allegedly assisted Zillow in hiring selected workers from these layoffs [3]. Group 2: Impact on Competition - The FTC argues that Zillow's payment to eliminate Redfin as an independent competitor in a concentrated advertising market could reduce competition, leading to higher prices and fewer choices for multifamily rental advertising customers [4][5]. - The Commission emphasizes that the actions of both companies violate federal antitrust laws and may diminish incentives for further competition in the market [5]. Group 3: Company Responses - Zillow maintains that its listing syndication with Redfin benefits both renters and property managers, claiming it has expanded access to multifamily listings and is pro-competitive [6]. - Redfin, which was recently acquired by Rocket Companies, strongly disagrees with the FTC's allegations and believes it will prevail in court, asserting that the partnership has increased access to rental listings for users [6].
FTC sues Zillow and Redfin alleging antitrust violation in online rental listings
CNBC· 2025-09-30 19:30
Core Viewpoint - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is suing Zillow and Redfin for allegedly conspiring to reduce competition in the online multifamily rental listing market, violating federal antitrust laws [1][2]. Summary by Sections Allegations of Antitrust Violations - The FTC claims that Zillow paid Redfin $100 million to re-host Zillow's multifamily rental listings on Redfin's platforms, which constitutes a violation of antitrust laws [2]. - Redfin agreed to terminate contracts with its existing advertising customers and assist Zillow in acquiring that business, committing to stay out of the multifamily advertising market for up to nine years [3]. Impact on Employment and Market Structure - Following the agreement, Redfin reportedly fired hundreds of employees and then helped Zillow selectively rehire many of them [4]. - The arrangement has led to a situation where Redfin's platforms became virtually identical to Zillow's, reducing competition in the market [3]. Market Reaction and Statements - Following the FTC's announcement, shares of Zillow and Redfin's parent company, Rocket Companies, experienced a sharp decline in afternoon trading [5]. - A Zillow spokesperson defended the partnership, stating it benefits both renters and property managers by expanding access to multifamily listings [6]. Legal Actions and Potential Outcomes - The FTC's lawsuit aims to unwind the agreement and may involve requirements for divestitures or restructuring to restore competition in the rental advertising market [7].
Containerboard industry eyes ongoing price-fixing case
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-29 09:24
Core Viewpoint - The class-action lawsuit against major containerboard manufacturers alleges price-fixing and market manipulation, claiming a coordinated effort to inflate prices by approximately 30% since late 2020 [2][3][4]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit was initiated by Artuso Pastry Foods Corp. in July 2025, naming eight major containerboard manufacturers as defendants [1]. - Graphic Packaging International was voluntarily dismissed from the case on 25 September 2025, leaving seven defendants accused of conspiring to raise prices [2][5]. - The plaintiffs allege that the defendants engaged in coordinated price increases through seven hikes from November 2020 to the present, despite weak demand [3]. Group 2: Antitrust Allegations - The lawsuit claims that the actions of the defendants constitute a violation of U.S. antitrust laws, suggesting they operated as a "cartel" to manipulate market prices [4]. - Over 85% of the U.S. containerboard market is reportedly controlled by a small number of companies, which may facilitate collusive behavior [4]. Group 3: Industry Response and Legal Proceedings - Most defendants have not publicly commented on the litigation, but Georgia-Pacific has denied the claims, asserting they are without merit [5]. - The case is set to proceed against the remaining companies, with a status update required by 17 December 2025 [6]. - Plaintiffs are seeking treble damages, which could lead to settlements or increased scrutiny of pricing practices in the sector [6]. Group 4: Market Implications - The ongoing litigation has significant implications for the broader containerboard market, potentially affecting pricing and market stability [7].