U.S. and European Union Antitrust Agencies Issue Revised “Best Practices” for Coordinating Merger Reviews
On October 13, 2011, the Department of Justice, Antitrust Division (“DOJ”), Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) (together, the “U.S. agencies”) and the Competition Directorate-General of the European Commission (“DG Competition”) issued an updated set of best practices for coordinating merger reviews.
These best practices are intended to facilitate coordination, to the extent consistent with their respective laws and enforcement responsibilities, between the U.S. agencies and DG Competition when they are both reviewing the same merger (when the merger is subject to EU Merger Regulation, but regardless of whether the merger is subject to HSR notification). In such cases, the agencies have a mutual interest in reaching, insofar as possible, consistent, or at least non-conflicting, outcomes concerning both the timing of review and, if applicable, remedies.
These best practices are intended to facilitate coordination, to the extent consistent with their respective laws and enforcement responsibilities, between the U.S. agencies and DG Competition when they are both reviewing the same merger (when the merger is subject to EU Merger Regulation, but regardless of whether the merger is subject to HSR notification). In such cases, the agencies have a mutual interest in reaching, insofar as possible, consistent, or at least non-conflicting, outcomes concerning both the timing of review and, if applicable, remedies.
This communication, which we believe may be of interest to our clients and friends of the firm, is for general information only. It is not a full analysis of the matters presented and should not be relied upon as legal advice. This may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions. Please refer to the firm's privacy notice for further details.
Copy link to share post