Which scenario would likely violate federal antitrust laws?

The scenario in which a firm plans to achieve a monopoly by merging with its closest competitor is likely to violate federal antitrust laws because it directly undermines competition within the market. Antitrust laws are designed to promote fair competition and prevent the formation of monopolies that can dominate an industry and stifle competition. When two companies that are direct competitors merge, it can lead to a reduction in market options for consumers, higher prices, and a decrease in innovation since the motivation to compete diminishes.

By pursuing such a merger, the firm would be engaging in anti-competitive behavior that federal regulations specifically seek to prevent. The intent to achieve monopoly power indicates an understanding that this action would harm market dynamics and consumer welfare, which is a central concern of antitrust legislation. Other scenarios, while they may involve competition and pricing strategies, do not inherently suggest an effort to eliminate competition in the same manner.