This document is available in two formats: this web page (for browsing content) and PDF (comparable to original document formatting). To view the PDF you will need Acrobat Reader, which may be downloaded from the Adobe site. For an official signed copy, please contact the Antitrust Documents Group.

U.S. Department of Justice Seal and Letterhead
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2003
WWW.USDOJ.GOV		 AT
(202) 514-2007
TDD (202) 514-1888


JUSTICE DEPARTMENT STATEMENT REGARDING
FIRST DATA/CONCORD TRIAL SCHEDULE


WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Justice issued the following statement today after the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued an order scheduling the First Data and Concord trial to begin on December 15, 2003:

"The Department will comply with the Court's schedule and try this case on December 15, 2003. The Department firmly believes that it has a strong case against First Data and Concord, and will be ready to present evidence in Court proving that the merger would substantially reduce competition among PIN debit networks, resulting in higher prices to merchants that offer PIN debit transactions to their customers."

###

03-592