On January 10, 2013, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, the agency charged with administering the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the “HSR Act”), as amended, and its filing requirements, announced the adjusted HSR Act notification thresholds for 2013. The new thresholds will become effective on February 11, 2013. The HSR Act notification requirements apply to transactions that satisfy the specified “size of transaction” and “size of person” thresholds, and the thresholds are adjusted annually to reflect changes in the U.S. gross national product. The key adjusted thresholds are summarized in the following chart (see below.)

The new thresholds also apply to certain other HSR Act thresholds and exemptions.

Under the new thresholds, the “size of transaction” threshold will increase from $68.2 million to $70.9 million. No HSR Act notification will be required if the value of voting securities and assets held as a result of the transaction is below this threshold.