Striking out! Federal enforcers losing streak in antitrust cases shows need for new game plan

The Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Justice Department are on a four-case losing streak with hospital mergers they have tried to stop for antitrust reasons. Theories explaining why the trustbusters can't hit a home run abound. Some point to the loss of key players who have signed on with the private sector. Others say the complex economic models introduced in court can throw judges a curve ball.