The Federal Trade Commission has aggressively sought to prevent what it calls anti-competitive mergers in court and by settlement, a strategy antitrust lawyers said Tuesday is rooted in a broad reading of U.S. antitrust law and a willingness to bring suit to spur negotiation.    

Under FTC Chair Lina Khan’s leadership, the agency has sought to block corporate mergers that could diminish competition in the market. Some court cases have resulted in settlements or provided some clarity in case law, attorneys said.