DAMITT At-a-Glance: Q3 2018

Data for Q3 2018 YTD in both the United States and the European Union continues to indicate that the number and duration of significant antitrust merger investigations may have peaked. While the duration of future antitrust-sensitive transactions may fall above or below DAMITT averages, the latest statistics suggest that those anticipating “significant” review in the United States should have to plan on approximately 10-11 months for the agencies to investigate a transaction, and another five to seven months to litigate an adverse agency decision. Those with deals likely to go to a European Phase II should expect an average lapse of 14 months from announcement to clearance.