The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Bureau of Competition has issued new guidance relating to the merger filing process. Effective September 27, 2021, the FTC will recommend enforcement action for companies that fail to include debt to be paid at closing
Antitrust and Competition Report
Analysis & insights from Reed Smith's Global Antitrust and Competition Team on the latest antitrust developments across the world
Latest from Antitrust and Competition Report
EC imposes €875 million cartel fine for jeopardising the EU’s Green Deal and sustainability goals
In our latest client alert, we discuss the significance of the European Commission’s recent decision and explain the practical implications for EU antitrust enforcement and businesses.
Radical new UK regulatory regime proposed for big tech
On 20 July 2021, the UK government announced a consultation, titled “A new pro-competition regime for digital markets” (the Consultation), which proposes a number of radical changes that would introduce a new regulatory regime applying to the largest…
What do businesses need to know about proposed changes to UK competition and consumer laws?
On 20 July 2021 the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) published a consultation, which proposes a number of potentially far-reaching changes to competition and consumer law and policy.
The proposed reforms set out in…
Stronger antitrust enforcement on non-compete agreements may be on the horizon
The Biden administration’s extensive Executive Order (EO) Promoting Competition in the American Economy encourages federal agencies to restrict the “unfair use” of non-compete clauses (and similar restrictive agreements) that “may unfairly limit worker mobility.” While the EO doesn’t signal any…
What should transportation and logistics companies know about greenwashing?
As consumers demand more eco-friendly products and services, many companies are scrambling to prove their green credentials. Transportation and logistics companies are no different, seeking to provide more environmental-friendly means of transportation for goods and trying to source green suppliers.…
Does the UK’s new Subsidy Bill mark a significant departure from EU state aid rules?
The new Subsidy Control Bill (the Bill) recently had its first reading in the House of Commons. Once passed into law, this Bill will introduce a new UK regime regulating the distribution of subsidies from government bodies to businesses in…
Greenwashing: what is a misleading environmental claim and how can companies avoid getting into trouble?
The practice of making misleading environmental claims (so-called “greenwashing”) carries increasing risk in Europe. The European Commission and national consumer protection and/or competition authorities are more committed than ever to fight it, and a new EU initiative will require companies…
Supreme Court blocks NCAA’s ability to restrict education-related compensation and benefits for student athletes
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court weighed in on the fierce debate over student-athlete compensation, with the justices unanimously affirming an injunction that struck down National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) restrictions on education-related compensation and benefits for student athletes in…
As a multi-agency pharmaceutical task force emerges now is the time for pharmaceutical companies to shape merger control policy
Following a period of relative leniency for pharmaceutical companies, a Multilateral Pharmaceutical Merger Task Force formed by key antitrust enforcement agencies has been established to review and update merger analysis.
The task force includes representatives from the Federal Trade Commission…