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.
Hastings is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of Barry County. The population was 7,095 at the 2000 census. The city borders Hastings Charter Township on the north, east, and south, though it is politically independent. It has been named "One of the best 100 small towns in America". Hastings is part of the Grand Rapids-Wyoming metropolitan area.