Last Thursday, I had the privilege of giving a keynote address at the 53rd Annual Conference on International Antitrust Law and Policy, and Antitrust Economics Workshop hosted by @FordhamLawNYC, where I emphasized the significance of federalism in antitrust enforcement. I will highlight what I shared there: we at @TheJusticeDept and @JusticeATR take seriously our obligation to be the front-line national enforcer Congress designed us to be, and we take seriously our obligation to work as partners, not rivals, with the state attorneys general who share our desire to protect competition in every market across our Great Nation. That give and take is not a weakness in our system of antitrust federalism. It is the system working as Congress intended—imperfect, occasionally contentious, but still very much worth defending. Read my full remarks here: justice.gov/opa/speech/assoc…

🚨 Department of Justice Again Wins Substantial Relief Against Google: Remedies for Google’s Unlawful Monopolization to Help Restore Competition in Online Advertising Technology Markets “The Court’s ruling in the Google ad tech case marks a significant victory for this Department’s efforts to protect and restore competition,” said @ASGWoodward. “We will continue to review the opinion to consider the Department’s options. Under @POTUS Trump’s and @AGToddBlanche’s leadership, we will never cease fighting for fair competition.” 🔗: justice.gov/opa/pr/departmen…

Justice Department Reaches Proposed Consent Decree with Pinnacle, One of America’s Largest Landlords, to Resolve Information Sharing and Algorithmic Coordination Claims “This administration will not tolerate illegal actions by corporate landlords that inflate housing prices for Americans,” said @ASGWoodward. “The Department of Justice will fight for every American who is being taken advantage of by corporate greed.” 🔗: justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-d…

Proud of @JusticeATR’s success in obtaining relief on behalf of the American people. The Department will continue to fight for fair competition. The timing of the Court’s order reflects the tradeoffs between immediate relief and remedies obtained through years of litigation.

The Antitrust Division is pleased that the court ordered substantial relief in the Google Ad Tech case. We are one step closer to restoring competition and bringing relief for the American people in online advertising markets. The Department is evaluating appropriate next steps.

🚨@JusticeATR has expanded its investigation to include 8 of the largest grocers when it comes to beef affordability. @ASGWoodward sent letters to the following regarding the recent increases in the retail price for beef: -Kroger -Publix -Walmart -Albertsons -Aldi -Ahold Delhaize USA -Costco -Amazon Beef prices are a critical concern to Americans, and a priority for this Justice Department.

KKR Agrees to Pay Record $250M Penalty for Serial Violations of Federal Premerger Review Law: KKR Will Pay LARGEST-EVER Penalty for Repeatedly Violating the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act by Withholding and Altering Documents and Failing to Make Required Filings “This historic $250 million civil penalty – more than 20 times any prior HSR penalty obtained by the DOJ – sends a powerful message: the Department is committed to vigorous enforcement of the Act,” said @ASGWoodward. “The Act’s requirements protect competition by giving the Justice Department an opportunity to investigate potentially unlawful transactions. Companies that disregard their legal obligations will face serious consequences.” Read more: justice.gov/opa/pr/kkr-agree…

Jury Convicts Erosion Control Company, Executive, and Employee for Roles in $100M Price-Fixing Conspiracy: A Total of 7 Defendants Convicted of Price-Fixing Charges Affecting Publicly Funded Infrastructure Projects in Oklahoma “Americans have a right to expect that taxpayer-funded contracts are awarded through fair and honest competition, not secret agreements among competitors,” said @ASGWoodward. “The prosecution of these criminals demonstrates the Justice Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting public funds, safeguarding the integrity of government procurement, and holding accountable those who put personal profit above the law.” 🔗: justice.gov/opa/pr/jury-conv…

.@ASGWoodward issued the following statement today in connection with the closing of the Antitrust Division’s investigation into the proposed merger between Seismic Software, Inc. (Seismic) and Highspot Inc. (Highspot): “After a targeted review of key competitive questions, the Antitrust Division made the decision to close its investigation, reducing the Second Request compliance burden on the merging companies. The resolution of this matter using a targeted approach is an excellent example of the Antitrust Division efficiently reviewing a proposed merger with an expedited focus on key dispositive issues.” 🔗: justice.gov/opa/pr/statement…

The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, joined by the Attorney General of Tennessee, announced today that they will require CRH and its subsidiary APAC-Tennessee to divest two hot-mix asphalt plants as part of its acquisition of Standard Construction to address antitrust concerns in western Tennessee. “Today’s settlement is a model for how government works better when federal law enforcers collaborate with states in protecting local interests from competitive harm,” said @ASGWoodward. “I thank Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti for his partnership to protect critical roadway infrastructure in western Tennessee and preserve the state and federal funds that pay for it.” Read more: justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-d…

Bovine Artificial Insemination Manager Pleads Guilty to Multi-Year Bid-Rigging Conspiracy “The tireless work of our Nation’s ranchers and farmers is essential to everyday affordability for all Americans,” said @ASGWoodward. “This Department of Justice will never stand for collusion that cheats hardworking, honest producers and raises prices for American families putting food on the table. Collusion and bid rigging is criminal, and we will prosecute it to the fullest extent of the law.” Read more: justice.gov/opa/pr/bovine-ar…

Justice Department Withdraws Business Review Letter Issued to Proxy Advisory Firm The Antitrust Division is committed to protecting the rights of all Americans, including by promoting competition, reducing barriers to entry, and ensuring full compliance with the antitrust laws in the proxy advisory market. 🔗: justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-d…

Justice Department Resumes Targeted HSR Merger Review Process Targeted Review Reduces Transaction Costs without Compromising the Division’s Ability to Investigate Transactions “This Department of Justice is working to eliminate bureaucratic burdens while still preserving the integrity of Second Request investigations, which are aimed at protecting American consumers and affordability,” said @ASGWoodward. “A more targeted process strengthens the Department’s ability to appropriately enforce antitrust laws through focusing its review. This change will allow for quicker and more efficient review of proposed transactions; more effective use of taxpayer resources; and above all, helps the Department do its job to safeguard a competitive marketplace while keeping America open for business.” 🔗: justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-d…

FTC secures $12 Million in penalties for Pre-Merger Reporting Act violations: ftc.gov/news-events/news/pre…

TransDigm Abandons Proposed Acquisition of Stellant Systems in Response to Justice Department’s Decision to Block Transaction: Abandoned Deal Would Have Eliminated Competition Between Manufacturers of Mission-Critical Defense Radar Components “This Justice Department will rigorously investigate and challenge mergers that create monopolies and harm competition. Our decision to put a stop to this deal preserved critical competition that protects American taxpayers and warfighters,” said @ASGWoodward. “We are grateful to our War Department partners who were crucial to this investigation.” Read more: justice.gov/opa/pr/transdigm…

Justice Department Reaches Proposed Settlement with Willow Bridge, One of America’s Largest Landlords, to Resolve Information Sharing and Algorithmic Coordination Claims: Decree Would Prohibit Algorithmic Coordination and Exchanging Competitively Sensitive Data with Competitors “Corporate landlords have been destabilizing the rental housing market for too long,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Sarrine. “The Antitrust Division will remain proactive in taking affirmative measures to stop pricing algorithms from harming renters.” 🔗: justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-d…

The Justice Department and the @FTC warn lawbreaking companies that they are closely monitoring petroleum markets and gas prices and will take all appropriate measures to stop illegal conduct contributing to high gas prices. “Affordable energy is essential to a thriving American economy. The Antitrust Division is committed to working alongside state law enforcement partners to provide resources and support to protect consumers from anticompetitive behavior that raises the price of gas,” said @ASGWoodward. “The Antitrust Division will use all available tools to ensure that companies are held accountable for unlawfully manipulating the market.” Read more: justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-d…

⚖️ @TheJusticeDept and @FTC Issue Fiscal Year 2025 Hart-Scott-Rodino Annual Report Read the report here: justice.gov/opa/pr/doj-and-f…