Judge allows United-Continental deal to proceed
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Forty-nine travelers had sued in San Francisco, claiming the
deal would raise fares. They asked Judge Richard Seeborg to stop
the deal from closing until a jury can hear their claims.
The judge's ruling said the travelers have not shown that they
personally would be harmed enough to stop the deal from moving
forward. Seeborg wrote on Monday that none of the plaintiffs
testified to having flown regularly, and that only one said that
she is likely to use United or Continental when she does fly.
The Justice Department has already said it has no antitrust
objections to the deal.
United spokeswoman Jean Medina said the airline is pleased with
the judge's decision.
Shares of UAL Corp., United's Chicago-based parent, rose 4 cents
to $22.88 in afternoon trading. Houston-based Continental Airlines
Inc. fell 9 cents to $24.02.