The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) recently modified the premerger notification form and rules for transactions reportable under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act (HSR Act). The new form and the amendments to the HSR rules will become effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, which is expected shortly. Transactions filed with the FTC and the DOJ prior to this date, meaning at least prior to August 10, 2011, will NOT be required to comply with the new rules.

Almost every aspect of the form will be affected in some way. With the exceptions noted below, the changes will reduce the burden on filing parties, particularly for acquisitive clients such as private equity firms and certain strategic buyers.