Silence From the Parties
Tyson Foods and attorneys representing the beef purchasers did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the disclosure.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs estimate that thousands of so-called direct purchasers are members of the proposed settlement class.
Second Major Deal for Direct Purchasers
The Tyson agreement marks the second settlement involving direct purchasers in the sprawling litigation. In 2022, JBS USA agreed to pay $52.5 million to resolve similar claims, while denying any wrongdoing. That deal was approved by a judge.
Tyson and JBS are the two largest defendants in the case. Two remaining defendants — Cargill and National Beef — did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Tyson’s Growing Settlement Tally
Arkansas-based Tyson, the largest meat producer in the United States, has already settled related consumer beef price-fixing claims for $55 million.
Separately, the company agreed earlier this year to pay $85 million to resolve a proposed consumer class-action lawsuit alleging a conspiracy with rivals to inflate pork prices.
