The landscape of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) continues to evolve, influenced by economic shifts and regulatory frameworks. For eDiscovery professionals, staying abreast of these changes is essential for providing timely and effective support in legal and regulatory matters. The latest data from the Premerger Notification Office provides informational insight into the current M&A activity and economic conditions.
HSR Transaction Data: A Snapshot
The Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act transaction figures for May 2024 highlight a significant level of activity in the M&A arena. Here are the monthly transaction counts:
- May 2024: 179 transactions
- April 2024: 162 transactions
- March 2024: 136 transactions
- February 2024: 135 transactions
- January 2024: 170 transactions
This data shows a fluctuating trend in M&A activities, with a notable increase in May compared to the previous months. Compared to the same period last year, which saw 144 transactions in May 2023, there is a clear uptick, suggesting a robust M&A market. This trend could indicate growing business confidence and a strategic push toward consolidation and expansion.
Transaction Charts
Taken from the latest published Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Premerger Notification monthly transactions as shared by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and augmented by released annual reports, the following transaction charts may be useful for law firms, legal departments and legal service providers seeking to understand the real-time pulse rate of Hart-Scott-Rodino Act mandated transaction reviews. As these reviews may lead to Second Requests, the charts may also be useful as a baseline for considering provider assertions regarding the depth, breadth, and volume of their Second Request support for this unique type of eDiscovery during specific time frames.
Chart 1: HSR Act Annual Transactions Reported in Fiscal Years 2000 – 2024*/**
Chart 2: Monthly HSR Act Transactions Reported in the Fiscal Year 2024 (October-September)*
Chart 3: Monthly HSR Act Transactions Reported in the Fiscal Year 2023 (October-September)*
*Monthly Real-Time Reporting – First Report is October 2019 (Monthly Running Report)
**Based on Annual Reporting as Represented in Final Annual HSR Transaction Reports.
Assisted by GAI and LLM Technologies
SOURCE: HaystackID
