Kara Kuritz

Jan 16, 2025 | jdsupra.com | Dylan Ballard |Adam Hudes |Kara Kuritz

The re-election of former President Donald J. Trump is poised to significantly alter the landscape of antitrust enforcement, particularly within the energy and chemical industries. While the incoming administration has yet to articulate a clear stance on these issues, many anticipate a more permissive approach to dealmaking, with less stringent antitrust scrutiny compared to the Biden administration. Please see full publication below for more information.

Jan 14, 2025 | jdsupra.com | Kara Kuritz |Evan Miller |Alex Rant

The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has revised the thresholds that govern pre-merger notification requirements under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (“HSR Act”), and Section 8 of the Clayton Act governing “interlocking directorates.” The new HSR thresholds will become effective for all transactions closing on or after the effective date, which is 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.

Jan 14, 2025 | jdsupra.com | Kara Kuritz |Evan Miller |Alex Rant

On Friday, January 10, 2025, the Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable, American Investment Council, and Longview Chamber of Commerce filed a complaint in the Eastern District of Texas against the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and its Chair Lina Khan to block the enforcement of the FTC’s new rule expanding the scope of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act Premerger Notification Form (the “new HSR Rule”) set to take effect on February 10, 2025.

Jan 7, 2025 | jdsupra.com | Kara Kuritz |Evan Miller |Rami Rashmawi

On December 18, 2024, the Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) announced that Tencent Holdings Ltd. (“Tencent”) had removed two directors from the board of Epic Games, Inc. (“Epic”) and relinquished its right to unilaterally appoint directors to Epic’s board going forward.

Dec 17, 2024 | velaw.com | Hill Wellford |Darren Tucker |Kara Kuritz |Evan Miller

The DOJ’s concerns with Tencent having two board members serving on Epic’s board may appear counterintuitive. Tencent is a Chinese conglomerate offering a range of mobile apps, video games, and entertainment services. Epic is a U.S.-based video game developer most famous for its game “Fortnite.” Tencent has a minority ownership position in Epic, giving Tencent the ability to appoint two directors on Epic’s board. The DOJ alleged that Tencent, through its U.S.-based subsidiary, Riot Games Inc.