Last week, the U.S. antitrust agencies announced two important updates affecting their review

of transactions:

1. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)announced that effective 30 March 2020 the U.S. antitrust agencies will begin "processing requests for early termination" of the 30 (or 15) calendar day waiting period for filings submitted pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the HSR Act).

2. The FTC and Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced anm expedited review procedure for certain collaborations involving COVID-19 public health projects.