Although the merger of Exxon and Mobil has raised the eyebrowsof at least two states, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) isexpected to vote today to approve the $81 billion deal to createone of the world’s largest energy companies. The deal includes aproposal to sell about 2,400 gas stations nationwide, and at leastConnecticut and New Hampshire are concerned. Although ConnecticutAttorney General Richard Blumenthal opposes the deal, he told theAssociated Press it is unlikely a single state could block themerger and it also is unlikely a coalition of states will form tochallenge the deal.

New Hampshire is mulling things over. Walter Maroney, antitrustcounsel in the state’s attorney general’s office, said NewHampshire hasn’t made any decision on whether to challenge thedeal, but it sounds as if an all-out assault is unlikely. He saidthe state is worried about the interests of Exxon gas stationoperators and their continuing relationship with Exxon once theirstations are sold. Second, the deal as structured favors a singlebuyer for the New England stations, which are to be sold in asingle package. Maroney said New Hampshire would like to see morethan one player pick up the stations. “We’re not certain thatcompetition at the pump will be best served by the emergence of asingle large regional buyer.”

Edward Jones analyst Kate Warne, who has followed the deal, saidshe expects the merger to sail by the states. It has been reportedthat Texas and California have agreed to the deal. Warne saidCalifornia is more concerned with the pending merger of BP Amocowith ARCO anyway (see related story).

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