Counsel's Guide to HSR: What You Should Know About the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act

For any attorney with a client contemplating a merger or acquisition, familiarity with the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, 15 U.S.C. §18a (the "HSR Act" or the "Act"), is essential. Failure to understand and comply with the requirements of the HSR Act can result in delays in consummating a transaction, make eventual compliance more burdensome and, in the case of noncompliance, result in rescission of the transaction and significant civil fines.