Sanderson Farms investors may receive additional information about the case by clicking the link "Join this Class Action" above.
According to the complaint, Sanderson Farms produces, processes, markets, and distributes fresh, frozen, and prepared chicken products in the United States. The company sells ice pack, chill pack, bulk pack, and frozen chicken in whole, cut-up, and boneless form primarily under the Sanderson Farms brand name to retailers, distributors, and casual dining operators in the United States, as well as to customers who resell frozen chicken in the export markets.
The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, the defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the company’s business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, the complaint alleges that the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Sanderson Farms systematically colluded with several of its industry peers to fix prices in the broiler-chicken market; (ii) the foregoing conduct constituted a violation of federal antitrust laws; (iii) consequently, Sanderson Farms’ revenues during the Class Period were the result of illegal conduct; and (iv) as a result of the foregoing, Sanderson Farms’ public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
According to the complaint, on October 4, 2016, a group of individual consumers filed an antitrust class action complaint in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (the “Monahan Complaint”) against Sanderson Farms and several of its industry peers, alleging violations of the Sherman Act. Following the filing of the Monahan Complaint, Sanderson Farms’ share price fell $3.98, or 4.14%, to close at $92.21 on October 4, 2016.
Then, on October 7, 2016, Pivotal Research downgraded Tyson from “Hold” to “Sell.” Explaining the downgrade, analyst Timothy Ramey directed investors’ attention to the “powerfully convincing” allegations of price manipulation by Sanderson Farms, Tyson, and their industry peers. Following this news, Sanderson Farms’ share price fell $4.03, or 4.32%, to close at $89.15 on October 7, 2016.
If you are a member of the class described above, you may no later than December 27, 2016 move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff of the class, if you so choose.
A lead plaintiff is a representative party that acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. In order to be appointed lead plaintiff, the Court must determine that the class member’s claim is typical of the claims of other class members, and that the class member will adequately represent the class. Your ability to share in any recovery is not, however, affected by the decision whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. Any member of the purported class may move the court to serve as a lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an inactive class member.
Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP has not filed a complaint in this matter. If you wish to discuss this action or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP toll free at 1-888-299-7706 or 1-610-667-7706, or via e-mail at info@ktmc.com.
CONTACT:
Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
James Maro, Esq. or Adrienne Bell, Esq.
280 King of Prussia Road
Radnor, PA 19087 1-888-299-7706 (toll free) or 1-610-667-7706
Or by e-mail at info@ktmc.com