COVID-19 Pandemic Prompts Temporary Modifications to Premerger Notification Process

In connection with the government response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, on March 13, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) announced emergency measures to temporarily change the way it accepts filings made pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the “HSR Act”).  The HSR Act, in pertinent part, requires companies to file notifications with the FTC and the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) with respect to certain mergers, acquisitions, or securities or assets transactions, and establishes waiting periods that must elapse before those transactions can close.  These emergency measures will affect and likely delay premerger filings and regulatory reviews, which could, in turn, impede applicable transactions.

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