Wire · regulatory
Getting in the way: The demise of early termination at the antitrust agencies
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Fusion42 · 21 July 2026 · Fusion42 review
The FTC and DOJ have effectively ended early termination of Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting periods, with grant rates falling from 77% historically to 29% in FY 2025 and 30% in FY 2026. The agencies cite regulatory form changes and deal complexity, but the practical effect is that M&A deals now face the full 30-day review period as standard.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
If you're selling your company in the US, you've lost the fast track. Mergers now sit under antitrust review for the full 30 days as standard practice, not exception—plan your close date and customer comms around that friction, not around a 15-day escape.
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1 source · 21 Jul 2026
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