What the FTC’s New Ban on Noncompete Agreements Might Mean for Your Business

In January 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed a new rule that would effectively ban employers from using noncompete agreements. Due to overwhelming public feedback—both in support of and against the proposed rule—the FTC decided to wait until April 2024 to vote on the final version of the proposed rule. (For information on the […]

The FTC’s Annual HSR Threshold and Filing Fee Increases for 2024

Introduction The smoke signaling change has emerged from the chimney! On January 22, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) announced the antitrust agencies’ annual adjustments to the filing fees for premerger review of sizable transactions and reporting thresholds for review under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (“HSR Act”). The adjusted HSR Act […]

FTC’s Proposed Ban on Noncompete Agreements — Delayed Again, But Not Dead Yet

Introduction In January 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) proposed a new rule that would effectively ban employers from using noncompete agreements. The FTC claimed that the rule “could increase wages by nearly $300 billion per year and expand career opportunities for about 30 million Americans.” Public feedback on the proposed rule was immediate and varied. Labor […]

Hart-Scott 2023 Premerger Filing Fees Increase Substantially

It’s that time again—sort of like Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog Day. The antitrust agencies have again increased the filing fees for premerger review of sizable transactions. This year is a good news/bad news story. The fees have increased substantially for large transactions but lowered for smaller ones. Also, the size threshold for transactions requiring premerger […]

Contemplating a Sizable Merger, Acquisition or Joint Venture?–Updated HSR Merger Notification Threshold Tests for Federal Antitrust Review Apply in March 2019

February 20, 2019 – On February 15, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published increased reporting thresholds under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (HSR Act). The new thresholds represent an approximate 6.6 percent increase over last year’s thresholds. They are expected to be published in the Federal Register during the week of February […]