A team of WilmerHale antitrust lawyers assisted client, Ceradyne, Inc., in obtaining antitrust approval for its aquisition of EaglePicher Boron.

Ceradyne manufactures Boral, a boron-infused aluminum that is used in storage casks for spent nuclear fuel rods as a neutron absorber and also distributes a boron-infused metal matrix composite manufactured by Alcan that has similar uses. EaglePicher manufactures borated aluminum, which is also used as a neutron absorber.

The Department of Justice conducted a detailed investigation into whether Ceradyne’s acquisition of EaglePicher would impermissibly lessen competition. The Department asked the parties to provide extensive documents and information and looked carefully at whether foreign competitors can supply U.S. customers and at how the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s process for licensing storage casks for spent nuclear fuel rods affects competition before allowing the transaction to proceed. WilmerHale worked closely throughout the process with Ceradyne’s outside general counsel, Stradling, Yocca, Carlson & Rauth.

The WilmerHale team included Robert Bell, James Lowe, and Janet Ridge.