In M&A transactions, early involvement of antitrust counsel is essential to avoid unnecessary expense, delay and antitrust risks. Failure to involve antitrust counsel early on in the process may not only jeopardize the parties’ ability to obtain antitrust clearance, but it can also give rise to potential exposure for independent antitrust violations and deal risk. This article discusses five avoidable antitrust pitfalls to keep in mind early in any transaction planning process.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s recently proposed framework for offline and online businesses and policymakers may have a significant impact on entities that collect, maintain and use consumer data. The deadline for public comment is January 31, 2011.
The Federal District Court in Minnesota recently decided Ovation Pharmaceutical did not violate federal or state antitrust laws when it acquired Indocin IV and NeoProfen, the only two drugs approved for treatment of a specific heart condition that primarily affects premature babies, because the challengers failed to establish that the drugs were in the same product market. The decision raises significant issues to consider when evaluating antitrust risks in future transactions.