LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge co-led a seven-state letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urging the approval of the merger between Tractor Supply Company and Orscheln Farm & Home. The coalition’s letter explains how the merger will benefit rural Americans and urges the FTC to swiftly complete its review and allow the transaction to proceed.

“Having grown up on a cattle farm and as the wife of a row crop farmer, I know firsthand the significance of farm supply businesses in our communities” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “This merger will allow Tractor Supply to better serve our agriculture communities and promote economic growth in our great state.”

Attorneys general play a critical role as the consumer protection leaders of their states, and it is common practice for state and federal regulators to collaborate when large companies merge. Tractor Supply has said it intends to bring lower prices, new products and brands, an attractive loyalty card program and job security to the Orscheln stores and their surrounding communities.

The letter to the FTC was led by Arkansas and joined by attorneys general of Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana and Oklahoma.