Wire · regulatory
Stale antitrust fixes yield a rotten Deere deal
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Fusion42 · 16 July 2026 · Fusion42 review
The FTC and five states settled a lawsuit against Deere for using monopolistic power to restrict farmer repairs, requiring the company to open repair tools and software to independent mechanics on 'fair and reasonable terms'. However, the agreement contains vague enforcement language and loopholes—including allowing Deere to potentially charge independents more than authorised dealers and delaying release of repair resources—that mirror failures in past antitrust settlements with Live Nation and Facebook.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Manufacturing Tech.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
If you make repair tools, software, or diagnostic equipment for farm machinery, Deere just promised to let you sell to independents—but the deal defines 'fair and reasonable' as whatever Deere charges your customers, and they can stall your access by waiting for half their dealers to move first. You'll need to move fast and document every barrier they put in your way, because vague consent decrees fail when enforcement gets tired.
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1 source · 16 Jul 2026
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