By preventing competing brands from being sold through Mattress Firm, Tempur Sealy could drive up prices, decrease quality and choice, and stifle innovation. "Once Tempur Sealy acquires Mattress Firm, the FTC alleges that the combined firm could foreclose its rivals in a multitude of ways," the announcement stated. This could include limiting rivals' access to store floor space, incentivizing sales associates to push Tempur Sealy products, and other tactics designed to steer customers away from competitors' products. Economic Impact The commission pointed out that previous closures of competing mattress factories have benefitted Tempur Sealy and that the acquisition could result in even more factory closures. This could have a widespread impact, potentially forcing rival suppliers to cease operations in states such as Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah.