The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) have changed the form and instructions under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (HSR Act). Under the HSR Act, parties to a merger or acquisition of a certain size must each file a premerger notification form (HSR Form), and wait 30 days prior to closing the transaction so that the agencies can assess the competitive aspects of a transaction before its consummation.

These revisions are part of the ongoing effort made by the FTC and the DOJ to eliminate unnecessary rules and alleviate burdensome reporting requirements, while providing enough information to the agencies to make such a competitive assessment. The new regulations will become effective 30 days from July 7, 2011.