HOUSTON, TX - CEO of Sysco Bill DeLaney released a statement following Federal Judge Amit Mehta's ruling earlier this week, in which Judge Mehta announced that he felt the Federal Trade Commission had proven that a merger between Sysco and US Foods would limit the margin for competition in the foodservice market.

"While we respect the Court's decision, we are profoundly disappointed with this outcome,” DeLaney said, according to a press release, adding that the company has diligently pursued the transaction with US Foods for nearly two years out of a strong belief that it would be procompetitive and good for customers, associates, and shareholders.

As we previously reported, the FTC filed an antitrust lawsuit to block the merger beause the two companies are the largest in the foodservice industry, causing worry for a potential monopoly. While the companies argued it would actually present more opportunity for competition, Judge Mehta disagreed.

DeLaney stated that Sysco understood this was a possible outcome and has been developing plans to move forward.

“We will take a few days to closely review the Court's ruling and assess our legal and contractual obligations, including the merits of terminating the merger agreement,” he said. “This work will be conducted in close collaboration with Sysco's Board of Directors and the primary owners of US Foods.”

As to which way the company is leaning, DeLaney only said that it would provide additional clarity in the coming days.