Content Assessment: An Underwhelming Year? HSR Transaction Volumes in FY 2023 (September 2023 Update)

Information
Insight
Relevance
Objectivity
Authority

Excellent

A short percentage-based assessment of the qualitative benefit of the recent post highlighting real-time monthly and annual HSR Act filing reporting by the FTC.

Editor’s Note: The Hart Scott Rodino Act (HSR Act) is a federal law that requires companies planning to merge or acquire certain assets or voting securities to notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) before completing the transaction. The HSR Act establishes the FTC and DOJ Premerger Notification Program, which is designed to allow the agencies to review the proposed transaction for potential antitrust concerns. For cybersecurity, information governance, and legal discovery professionals operating in the eDiscovery ecosystem, monitoring the monthly transaction reporting numbers published as part of the FTC and DOJ Premerger Notification Program can provide valuable insight into the potential impact of merger or acquisition activities and pulse rates on their respective areas of expertise.

Background Note: The data presented in this update is derived from a synthesis of published annual reports and monthly transaction reports. It’s important to recognize that annual reports, once published, serve as the definitive records for the fiscal year. Consequently, newly published annual reports may lead to minor adjustments in the transaction numbers that were initially reported on a monthly basis.


Industry Update Summary

A Hart-Scott-Rodino Act Transaction Update (September FY 2023)

ComplexDiscovery Staff

The Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act serves as a crucial indicator for merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the United States. By requiring companies to file premerger notifications for proposed deals that meet certain size thresholds, the HSR Act provides valuable data for understanding the state of the M&A market. This analysis delves into the trends in HSR filings from the fiscal year 2000 to 2023, offering a concise view of M&A activity over the past two decades. The analysis is particularly relevant for professionals in cybersecurity, information governance, and eDiscovery, as it sheds light on market conditions that could influence business strategies and regulatory compliance.

Companies involved in M&A activities are the primary focus of this analysis, which spans data from the fiscal year 2000 to 2023, all within the United States. The objective is to understand the state of the M&A market through the lens of HSR filings data. The data from 2000 to 2023 reveals a fluctuating pattern in HSR filings. The early 2000s saw a sharp decline, bottoming out in 2003 with 1,014 transactions. A gradual recovery ensued until the financial crisis of 2008, after which there was another dip. The market rebounded again, peaking in 2021 with 3,644 transactions.

In FY 2022, there were 3,259 HSR transactions. However, in FY 2023, the number dropped significantly to 1,884 transactions, representing a 42.17% decrease year-over-year. The monthly average also declined from 271 transactions in FY 2022 to 158 in FY 2023. Examining the monthly data for FY 2023 shows fluctuations within the year. The highest number of transactions in 2023 was reported in November with 243, while the lowest was in April with 120. Despite these variations, the overall trend indicates a decline in M&A activity.

The significant decline in HSR filings in recent years, particularly in FY 2023, suggests that economic uncertainty has had a considerable impact on M&A activity. This trend is worth noting as it may influence strategic decisions. The data indicates a cyclical pattern influenced by various economic factors. The recent decline in HSR filings, especially the 42.17% drop in FY 2023, is particularly noteworthy, even understanding adjusted HSR notification thresholds, and warrants close attention from both eDiscovery professionals in those in related fields.

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 – 2023*/**

HSR Act Merger Transactions Reported 2000-2023 – September 2023 Update

Chart 2: Monthly HSR Act Transactions Reported in the Fiscal Year 2023 (October-September)*

HSR Act Merger Transactions Reported – 2023 – September Update

*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

Additional Reading

Source: ComplexDiscovery

 

Have a Request?

If you have information or offering requests that you would like to ask us about, please let us know, and we will make our response to you a priority.

ComplexDiscovery OÜ is a highly recognized digital publication focused on providing detailed insights into the fields of cybersecurity, information governance, and eDiscovery. Based in Estonia, a hub for digital innovation, ComplexDiscovery OÜ upholds rigorous standards in journalistic integrity, delivering nuanced analyses of global trends, technology advancements, and the eDiscovery sector. The publication expertly connects intricate legal technology issues with the broader narrative of international business and current events, offering its readership invaluable insights for informed decision-making.

For the latest in law, technology, and business, visit ComplexDiscovery.com.

 

Generative Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Model Use

ComplexDiscovery OÜ recognizes the value of GAI and LLM tools in streamlining content creation processes and enhancing the overall quality of its research, writing, and editing efforts. To this end, ComplexDiscovery OÜ regularly employs GAI tools, including ChatGPT, Claude, DALL-E2, Grammarly, Midjourney, and Perplexity, to assist, augment, and accelerate the development and publication of both new and revised content in posts and pages published (initiated in late 2022).

ComplexDiscovery also provides a ChatGPT-powered AI article assistant for its users. This feature leverages LLM capabilities to generate relevant and valuable insights related to specific page and post content published on ComplexDiscovery.com. By offering this AI-driven service, ComplexDiscovery OÜ aims to create a more interactive and engaging experience for its users, while highlighting the importance of responsible and ethical use of GAI and LLM technologies.