Anti-Trust Suit Update: Court Approves Extension of Deadline to Amend Pleadings or Add Parties
October 15, 2009

The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania recently approved a request to extend the deadline to amend pleadings or add parties to the anti-trust suit filed against several glass manufacturers. The deadline is now December 1 (in lieu of the originally set October 1 deadline).

In the suit, the plaintiffs, which include a range of glass companies across the United States, allege that several glass manufacturers engaged in a conspiracy to fix prices (CLICK HERE for related story).

In the recently issued order, the court notes that discovery has begun in the cases, but is not complete, and that plaintiffs "believe that additional time is needed to further inform their determination of the necessity of amending the Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint."

However, the change of deadlines should not affect the continuing progression of the case and the dates previously set for other items, according to the order.

Plaintiffs include a list of glass companies, including both auto and flat, throughout the United States. (CLICK HERE for related story, including a full list of plaintiffs.) ()

The defendants include Guardian, Pilkington North America and PPG Industries. Plaintiffs allege that the manufacturers agreed to raise and fix prices "through a combination of collusive energy surcharges and price increases."

The manufacturers previously had motioned earlier in the year for the judge to dismiss the suit. That motion was denied in February.

CLICK HERE for full text of order.

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