In the United States, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and
Department of Justice (DOJ) faced new issues this quarter with the
unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 global
pandemic. In March, the agencies made certain changes to the merger
review process to accommodate businesses and counsel working
remotely. However, merger reviews, challenges, trials and consents
have continued as usual at both agencies despite the additional
obstacles.
In Europe, the European Commission (EC) also put in place
special measures to ensure business continuity in the enforcement
of merger control during the COVID-19 crisis. The first quarter of
2020 also saw the United Kingdom's official departure from the
European Union, which has consequences on the enforcement of EU
competition law in the United Kingdom.
