Blocked JetBlue-Spirit Deal Illustrates New Antitrust Approach - McDermott Will & Emery

Blocked JetBlue-Spirit Deal Illustrates New Antitrust Approach

Overview


As reflected in the December 2023 merger guidelines, the Federal Trade Commission and the US Department of Justice (DOJ) have changed the way they think about out-of-market effects, i.e., competitive effects that arise outside the relevant market.

Lisa Rumin and Anthony Ferrara unpack this new approach, which was prominently demonstrated during the JetBlue Airways-Spirit Airlines merger, and provide practical considerations on the implications for firms contemplating mergers and acquisitions.