Mar 23, 01:25 AM

Chicago Judge Allows Sysco to Transfer Chicken Antitrust Claims to Burford; McDonald's Appeal Denied

A federal judge in Chicago has ruled that food distribution giant Sysco can transfer its claims in a significant chicken price-fixing lawsuit to Burford Capital, the outside funder that financed the litigation. This decision allows Sysco to withdraw as the plaintiff, enabling a Burford subsidiary to continue the antitrust litigation. The ruling came after chicken producers challenged the move to block Burford Capital from being named as the plaintiff. In a related development, the Supreme Court has declined to hear McDonald's appeal of a lower court ruling, requiring the fast food company to face a class action alleging antitrust law violations.