Antitrust and Trade Regulation laws aim to promote free competition in the marketplace. Agreements or cooperative efforts by two or more entities that affects or restrains competitors is illegal under these laws. The Sherman Act makes illegal any contract, combination, or conspiracy in restraint of trade or commerce and makes monopolies and attempts, combinations, or conspiracies to monopolize illegal. The Clayton Act regulate price discrimination, tying and exclusive dealing contracts, stock acquisition and interlocking directorates.
Malvern is a city in, and the county seat of, Hot Spring County, Arkansas. The city had a population of 9,021 at the time of the 2000 census, and is also called the "Brick Capital of the World", due to the three Acme Brick plants in the area. Every year on the last weekend of June, Malvern hosts the Brickfest, an event that fills the city with music, food and activities that include a brick toss, brick car derby, and a best dressed brick contest. Malvern also hosts the Hot Spring County Fair and Rodeo each fall. Malvern is home to several manufacturing companies including Acme Brick, Weyerhaeuser, Borden Chemical, Adams Face Veneer Company Inc, Leggett & Platt Precision, and Pactiv Corporation, and is the home of Grapette International, a manufacturer of Grapette soda. Notable Malvern natives include Academy-Award winner Billy Bob Thornton, three-time Super Bowl winner Keith Traylor, and musician and stage performer Beth Clayton.