Government Merger and Civil Conduct Investigations

Much of the enforcement of antitrust laws is done by government agencies, particularly the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice.  In addition, the California State Attorney General and local prosecutors often use California's Cartwright Act and Unfair Competition Laws to investigate and bring enforcement actions.

Sheppard Mullin counsels clients involved in government civil investigations and enforcement activities, including merger transactions, joint ventures and various types of pricing and distribution restraints.  Our understanding of and direct experience with merger enforcement allow us to steer clients successfully through what can often be a difficult and complicated process.  We also routinely represent our clients before the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice, where we maintain a positive reputation and solid working relationships with government representatives.  Some of our attorneys have many years of experience practicing at enforcement agencies.

Podcasts & Webinars

Articles

• Looking Ahead to Tougher Merger Guidelines and Enforcement
  02.03.2022
• Back to the “Good Old Days”: FTC Announces Return to Prior Merger Approval Regime
  11.01.2021
• Is There an HSR Sea Change on the Horizon? Advance Notice Seeks Information on Possible Amendments to Numerous Provisions of the HSR Rules
  10.15.2020
• Tell Me More – Antitrust Agencies to Demand More Information from Investment Funds
  10.13.2020
• DOJ Antitrust Division Releases New Merger Remedies Manual
  09.10.2020
• Maybe the FTC Can’t Take That to the Bank: The Supreme Court’s Decision in Liu v. SEC and Its Implications for the FTC’s Ability to Seek Equitable Monetary Relief
  07.13.2020
• High Risk of Second Requests in the Cannabis Industry
  07.02.2020
• Arizona District Court Tentatively Dismisses Axon v. FTC
  03.19.2020
• Higher Filing Thresholds for HSR Act Premerger Notifications and Interlocking Directorates Announced
  01.29.2020
• Axon Sues FTC Over Use of Administrative Adjudication in Merger Investigations
  01.15.2020