News & Events

Antitrust Partner Peter Thomas was quoted in Law360 in an article regarding whether deals previously deemed anti-competitive may be more likely to receive clearance from U.S. competition authorities under the Trump Administration. The May 11 article, titled “Deals May See Clearer Path to Antitrust OK Under Trump,” includes a discussion of the ways in which regulators may take a more laissez-faire approach when evaluating corporate tie-ups. This includes the possibility that the FTC and Antitrust Division may become more cautious about theories tied to segmenting markets by types of customers, especially those with a national footprint. “There’s going to be more skepticism about defining markets in a way that’s based on very specific customer segments, especially national markets. I think the leadership of both agencies [FTC and the DOJ’s Antitrust Division] is going to question staff that comes forward with that type of argument, especially if there seems to be other alternatives available,” Peter says. He also commented that regulators in tough deals are more likely to be receptive to remedies proposals.