PHILADELPHIA – The Honorable Gene E.K. Pratter certified a class of direct purchaser plaintiffs of shell eggs against defendant egg producers in an antitrust lawsuit alleging a conspiracy to control and limit the supply of eggs. Hausfeld serves as co-lead counsel in this case.
Today's order is the culmination of years of briefing and hearings to determine whether the direct purchaser class should be certified. "Plaintiffs must demonstrate that common issues predominate as to the question of whether Defendants violated the antitrust laws. Plaintiffs have met this burden," Judge Pratter wrote. Elsewhere, Judge Pratter observed that, "Plaintiffs have collected a detailed discovery record common to the class supporting their allegations that Defendants conspired to reduce the supply of eggs."
"We are very pleased that the court chose to certify a class action on behalf of direct shell egg purchasers," said Hausfeld Chairman Michael D. Hausfeld, who serves as co-lead counsel for direct purchasers. "For over a decade, the egg industry has undertaken a concerted effort to restrict the supply of eggs and raise prices under the pretext of animal welfare. We look forward to proving our claims at trial," he added.
To date, eight defendants have settled with plaintiffs for a total of more than $61,000,000. The four remaining defendants are: Rose Acre Farms, Michael Foods, Ohio Fresh Eggs and RW Sauder.
The court has ordered that both sides submit additional briefing addressing whether the class period should be extended past 2008 to present.
Hausfeld attorneys working on this case are Michael D. Hausfeld, James J. Pizzirusso, Brent W. Landau and Jeannine M. Kenney. The case is In re Processed Egg Products Antitrust Litigation, Case No. 08-MD-2002 (E.D. Pa.).
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Hausfeld
Hausfeld is a leading global law firm with offices in Brussels, London, Philadelphia, San Francisco, New York, and Washington, DC. The firm has a broad range of complex litigation expertise, particularly in antitrust/competition, financial services, sports and entertainment, environmental, mass torts, consumer protection, and human rights matters, often with an international dimension. Hausfeld aims to achieve the best possible results for clients through its practical and commercial approach, avoiding litigation where feasible, yet litigating robustly when necessary. Hausfeld's extensive experience with alternative and innovative fee models offers clients a diverse menu of engagement options and maximum flexibility in terms of managing their cost exposure.
For more information about the firm, including recent trial victories and landmark settlements, please visit: www.hausfeld.com.
Source: Hausfeld
