---
schema_version: "secwatch.filing_event.v1"
accession: "0000950142-22-002720"
form_type: "8-K"
ticker: "SPB"
cik: "0000109177"
company_name: "Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc."
filed_at: "2022-09-15T23:59:59+00:00"
generated_at: "2026-06-23T09:18:14.202843+00:00"
event_type: "litigation"
sentiment: "negative"
materiality_score: 0.85
calibrated_materiality_score: 0.85
confidence: "high"
source: SEC EDGAR
---

# DOJ sues to block Spectrum Brands' $4.3B sale of HHI to ASSA ABLOY; company vows to fight

## Summary
- DOJ filed lawsuit on Sept. 15, 2022 to block Spectrum Brands' sale of its Hardware & Home Improvement division to ASSA ABLOY for $4.3B in cash.
- Spectrum Brands and ASSA ABLOY will vigorously oppose the DOJ's action and are confident of prevailing in litigation.
- Spectrum says it made multiple proposals to address DOJ concerns, all rejected without valid basis.
- CEO David Maura stated the DOJ's choice to pursue litigation places political ideology above consumers and workers.
- Transaction announced Sep. 8, 2021; DOJ action threatens completion and strategic shift to pure-play Pet Care and Home & Garden.

## SEC filing metadata
- accession: 0000950142-22-002720
- form_type: 8-K
- ticker: SPB
- cik: 0000109177
- company_name: Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.
- filed_at: 2022-09-15T23:59:59+00:00
- event_type: litigation
- sentiment: negative
- materiality_score: 0.85
- calibrated_materiality_score: 0.85
- confidence: high
- sec_items: 7.01, 9.01
- EDGAR index: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/109177/000095014222002720/0000950142-22-002720-index.htm
- EDGAR primary document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/109177/000095014222002720/eh220286927_8k.htm

## Machine-readable alternates
- HTML: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0000950142-22-002720
- JSON: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0000950142-22-002720.json
- Plain text: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0000950142-22-002720.txt

This AI-assisted summary is a reading aid. Review the linked SEC EDGAR filing before relying on any specific claim.