WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Trade Commission saw a major leadership change this week as Commissioner Melissa Holyoak stepped down to become Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah, even as the agency concluded a significant antitrust case involving a multistate fuel station acquisition.
Holyoak’s final day at the FTC was Nov. 17 after Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed her to the federal prosecutor post. Holyoak, who joined the Commission in March 2024 following a bipartisan confirmation, had been a prominent voice on competition policy, emerging technology issues, children’s online safety, and the limits of agency authority.
FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson praised her departure as both a loss for the Commission and a win for Utah. “Melissa is a woman of keen judgement, deep integrity, and unfailing commitment to the rule of law,” Ferguson said. He added that Holyoak will be “a fearless champion for the people of Utah and for President Trump’s Golden-Age agenda.”
Before joining the FTC, Holyoak served as Utah’s Solicitor General, overseeing major divisions including antitrust, data privacy, constitutional defense, and criminal appeals. She also previously worked in public interest litigation at multiple national organizations and holds both undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Utah.
Two days after her departure, the FTC finalized a consent order resolving antitrust concerns over Alimentation Couche-Tard’s $1.57 billion purchase of 270 fuel stations from Giant Eagle. Couche-Tard — parent of the Circle K brand — operates more than 7,100 U.S. stores.
Regulators concluded the acquisition could weaken price competition in Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. To preserve market balance, the order requires the divestiture of 35 fuel stations to Majors Management, LLC. The Commission approved the settlement 2–0 following a public comment period.
According to the agency, the divestitures ensure local motorists continue benefiting from competitive fuel pricing in regions where Couche-Tard and Giant Eagle previously competed.
The consent order becomes final immediately, and oversight of the divestitures will continue under FTC supervision.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.