
Risks of Collaboration 63
In 1996, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) was given the largest price-
fi xing fi ne ever, $100 million, for fi xing prices of two products: lysine, which
is used in livestock feed, and citric acid, which is used in detergent and soft
drinks. By agreeing with competitors to illegally infl ate prices, the company
overcharged its customers and did not allow the market to work correctly.
Keep in mind that these instances are very unusual. Although it is
worthwhile to understand risks and boundaries, realize that businesses do
themselves and their customers a disservice by avoiding all collaboration;
it is perfectly legal and benefi ...