March 28, 2015
Columbus Drywall & Insulation, Inc., et al. v. Masco Corporation, et al.
The plaintiffs are a class of residential insulation contractors who purchased fiberglass insulation direct from manufacturers. The plaintiffs alleged that these four manufacturers violated antitrust laws by entering into agreements amongst themselves and with Masco, a national consolidator of insulation contracting, to maintain an artificially elevated spread between the prices charged to Masco and the higher prices that they were charged.
Econ One was retained by counsel for the plaintiffs to opine regarding class-wide liability and class damages if the class was certified. Dr. Jeffrey Leitzinger submitted expert reports and provided deposition testimony. The court certified the class and subsequently gave preliminary approval to a settlement with the four manufacturer defendants. Following class certification, Dr. Leitzinger submitted expert reports and provided deposition testimony regarding class damages. Prior to trial, Masco, the sole remaining defendant, settled with plaintiffs for $75 million.