The new US merger guidelines: will they lead to stricter US enforcement and what are the implications for merger control in Europe?

Join us on 8 February to hear Professor Aviv Nevo, Chief Economist at the US Federal Trade Commission, and other experts discuss the key elements of the new US guidelines and the possible lessons and implications for Europe.

The United States Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice published their new US Merger Guidelines in December 2023, following an extended process of public engagement. This major revision of the 2010 guidelines appears to be inspired by a more vigorous enforcement agenda across a number of areas. For example, there is more attention to non-consumer and non-price concerns (including labour markets), a renewed focus on foreclosure concerns and entrenchment of dominance, and a more sceptical approach to efficiencies.

Professor Aviv Nevo will share the economic thinking behind the main changes in the new Guidelines. The discussion will then focus on the similarities and differences between the new US Guidelines and European merger enforcement practice, and on the lessons that European enforcers and practitioners may draw from the new guidelines.

Speakers:

Main speaker: Professor Aviv Nevo, Chief Economist, US Federal Trade Commission

Panellists:

Giulio Federico, Partner, Oxera

Jenine Hulsmann, Partner, Weil

Hans Zenger, Head of Unit (Chief Economist Team), DG Competition

Chair: Barbara Veronese, Partner, Oxera.