FTC reportedly plans suit against $5.5B Cintas-UniFirst deal

The Federal Trade Commission has signaled it may sue to block Cintas’ proposed $5.5 billion acquisition of UniFirst, according to reports citing people familiar with the matter. FTC staff have raised concerns that combining two major uniform-rental and workwear providers would increase market concentration and limit customer choices, though the agency has not yet voted on a final decision. Cintas says the deal would expand its reach and reduce costs by combining delivery routes, plants and supply chains; UniFirst shareholders have approved the transaction. The reports sent both companies’ shares sharply lower.