After a buyer announces a Mergers and Acquisitions deal, the U.S. government has how many days to alert the parties to any concerns?

The correct answer is that the U.S. government has 30 days to alert the parties to any concerns following the announcement of a Mergers and Acquisitions deal.

This timeframe is rooted in the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, which establishes that after a company files for anti-trust review of a proposed merger or acquisition, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have a 30-day waiting period to examine the deal. During this period, these agencies can review the merger to ensure that it does not violate antitrust laws and create unfair competition. If further investigation is required, the agencies can issue a "second request" for additional information, which can extend the review process beyond the initial 30 days. This systematic approach is designed to ensure that M&A activities do not ultimately harm consumers or competition in the market. Understanding this process is vital for M&A professionals to navigate regulatory environments effectively.