Increased scrutiny of PE particularly on roll-up strategies
Under the FTC’s order, JAB must obtain the Commission’s prior notice provision and also a broad prior approval provision. That is a risk if the PE firms have a roll-up strategy, because it then requires future notification on acquisitions in the same space. This puts the firms at a disadvantage in a competitive auction setting.
Ownership at the firm level
The FTC and DOJ will look at how a firm has invested in these types of businesses. And, as a result, they’re going to look at that behavior as a whole and presume the firm will be what they deem to be anti-competitive.
Challenges for sector-focused fund
Healthcare is a concern not only with respect to antitrust enforcement, but also with respect to the False Claims Act and other types of regulatory enforcement. As PE firms are looking at these types of businesses, they need to know this is on every regulator’s radar. There’s also a real focus on industries directly impacting consumers – such as agriculture and transportation.
Preparing for enhanced scrutiny
Questions and analysis around competition law need to be undertaken at the beginning of the investment thesis, long before a firm is ever in an auction. Due diligence must be done ahead of time.
Risks of reaching out to regulators ahead of a deal
PE firms could potentially be subjecting themselves to a lengthy review with no obvious end in sight, and timing is of the essence on any deal. In addition, firms cannot be in a position to show sellers they pose this risk as a buyer.
Effect on dealmaking activity
In the intermediate term, it is going to be chilling in certain strategies and certain industries. Longer term, it is not known yet what’s going to be enforced.
Firms’ top priorities when it comes to antitrust issues
PE firms must be cognizant that they are under scrutiny globally, and they will need to pay the same attention to various companies that operate in industries that are under scrutiny. They’ve got to be more active with legislative and regulatory engagement and behave more like large corporates. PE firms should also be more discerning or creative in the transaction agreement and what they are agreeing to with respect to regulatory clearance. In addition, implementing and adhering to robust HSR compliance programs is imperative.
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