The Federal Trade Commission sued to block Platinum Equity and its portfolio company PlayPower from acquiring BCI Burke, alleging the deal to combine two of the largest commercial outdoor playground equipment manufacturers would drive up prices and decrease innovation and quality.
According to the FTC, the companies sell equipment purchased by schools, churches, parks and recreation departments and other organizations across the country. The agency alleges the market for commercial outdoor playground equipment is already concentrated, making the combination particularly concerning for competition.