BP Amoco and Arco Plan Combination

BP Amoco and Atlantic Richfield Co (ARCO) said they intend to take the next formal step towards closing the combination of the two companies. They accordingly propose to re-start the required 20-day notice, suspended on November 2, 1999, to the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC has to date expressed concerns about the combination - concerns not shared by the companies. While the companies firmly believe the combination would enlarge, rather than adversely affect, competition, they have offered, but failed to get FTC acceptance for, a range of measures designed to meet the FTC's expressed concerns. BP Amoco and ARCO's proposed $26.8 billion combination was announced on April 1, 1999, with synergies and cost-savings estimated at $1 billion a year. Currently, BP Amoco neither refines nor markets on the US West Coast.