A class of chicken buyers settled antitrust claims against six processors and an agricultural data firm to save $1 million in legal fees, according to court records cited in a report by Meatingplace Magazine.
The filing showed the class opted to settle with the seven defendants to mitigate potential financial risks associated with post-trial proceedings or appeals. The settlements entail mutual waivers of further litigation, ensuring that neither party will seek recovery of costs, fees, or attorney expenses from the other.
Last week, the class of direct purchasers said they reached settlements with Foster Farms, Perdue Farms, Case Farms, Claxton Poultry Farms, Wayne Farms, Agri Stats and Sanderson Farms in January. The settlements involve allegations that the nation’s top poultry producers conspired to fix prices.
Both sides asked the Illinois federal judge for preliminary approval.
The class reached settlements with other poultry producers totaling $284 million.
