U.S. regulator could subpoena Lowe’s

CLEVELAND — The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is seeking input from Lowe’s on Sherwin-Williams’ proposed acquisition of rival Valspar. In a rare step, chair Edith Ramirez turned to Valspar’s top customer for its view, and is prepared to back that request up with a subpoena if Lowe’s is not forthcoming. The deal has gotten a rough ride from the FTC, which has been insisting that Sherwin-Williams increase its asset sales to get antitrust clearance. CEO John Morikis, however, is holding out for Ramirez’s replacement, expected to be put in place following President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, according to the New York Post.