Wire · regulatory
The Department of Justice Announces “Targeted” and “Expedited” Merger Investigations
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Fusion42 · 28 July 2026 · Fusion42 review
The US Department of Justice Antitrust Division announced targeted Second Request procedures and a new model timing agreement on 23 July 2026 to expedite merger reviews. The "Expedited Consideration" path narrows document scope to priority custodians and guarantees Front Office meetings within 21 days and final decisions within 14 days, reducing compliance burden on merging parties whilst maintaining investigative rigour.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
The DOJ just cut merger review timelines by two-thirds and promised final decisions within 35 days if you hit the expedited path. If you're holding a deal hostage to antitrust review, call your counsel now—the rules changed this month and early termination is suddenly on the table.
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