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ARTICLE · 30 APRIL 2026

DAMITT Q1 2026: Restrained Merger Enforcement Continues But With Shorter Timelines

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The Dechert Antitrust Merger Investigation Timing Tracker (DAMITT) reveals a sustained decline in U.S. and EU merger enforcement activity through Q1 2026, with only four significant U.S. investigations concluded and a record-low single EU case. How are the Trump administration's policy shifts—including the revival of settlements and reinstatement of early terminations—reshaping the merger review landscape, and what do these trends signal for deal timelines and enforcement strategies?

GlobalAntitrust/Competition Law
Rani Habash
Rani Habash
Marion Provost
Marion Provost
Clemens Graf York Von Wartenburg
Clemens Graf York Von Wartenburg
Gregory P. Luib
Gregory P. Luib
Brian E. Hanna
Brian E. Hanna
Brooke Meadowcroft
Brooke Meadowcroft

DAMITT, the Dechert Antitrust Merger Investigation Timing Tracker, is the leading source of analysis for significant U.S. and EU antitrust merger investigation and litigation trends.

Key Facts

United States

  • With only four significant U.S. merger investigations concluded in Q1 2026, merger enforcement activity remains subdued, continuing a multi‑year trend tracing back to the Biden administration.
  • The Trump administration’s revival of settlements with a reduction in litigations is contributing to a more deal-friendly antitrust environment compared to the Biden era.
  • U.S. significant merger investigation timelines show recent improvement, with significant investigations of deals announced in 2025 finishing about a month faster on average than those concluded in 2024.

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