Mergers -- Nothing About the Bakken

I don't know if folks recall this story from the New York Times back in 2005:

Blockbuster Inc., the video rental giant, dropped its bid yesterday to acquire the Hollywood Entertainment Corporation, the second-largest video rental chain, citing the likelihood that the Federal Trade Commission would reject the deal on antitrust grounds. 

I remember the story very, very well. Endless opportunities and vendors for television shows and big-screen movies, and yet the FTC was worried about anti-trust issues with regard to two video rental companies. (Are either of them even around any more?)

I am reminded of the story because the American Airlines - US Airways merger is expected next week according to a news station in Dallas-Ft Worth.

99-cent video rentals and the FTC is worried about antitrust, but no such worry for $800-seats on airlines. Extra for bags.