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US: Looming government shutdown won’t stop FTC, DOJ merger reviews

By  |  September 30, 2013

Due to strict timelines in which federal regulators must review proposed mergers, the looming government shutdown would only minimally affect the US Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, say reports.

The budget deadlock in Congress, leading to extended government closures, would hamper operations in various regulatory bodies, including the FTC, DOJ and Securities and Exchange Commission.

Reports say the SEC would not review IPO applications. Likewise, both the FTC and DOJ would cease all operations that could be delayed.

The FTC and DOJ, however, would continue to review mergers, due to the short window of time the merger review allows.

The DOJ is currently preparing its case against the proposed mega-merger between American Airlines and US Airways.

A government shutdown will occur if Congress cannot agree on a new budget, as the current government funding plan ended midnight Monday.

Full Content: Reuters

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