FTC And DOJ Merger Review Changes In Response To COVID-19 (UPDATE)

To address the Coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") and the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division ("Antitrust Division") have each implemented temporary changes in merger review procedures that will last during the pendency of the crisis. Effective March 17, 2020, both agencies have switched to an e-filing system for notifications under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act ("HSR Act"). Merging parties should take into account potential delays in review caused by these temporary changes for ongoing merger reviews and when preparing to file. The FTC and Antitrust Division have also announced they will aim to provide timely responses to parties seeking guidance regarding COVID-19 related conduct. We are continuously monitoring global competition developments in response to COVID-19 and invite clients to contact us for further details.