Merger Rules Updated: Higher Thresholds Mean More Filings
Published Date: 1/16/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting February 17, 2026, companies planning big mergers or acquisitions must watch new money limits before filing with the government. The Federal Trade Commission raised these thresholds to keep up with the economy, meaning some deals now need to be reported that didn’t before, and filing fees have changed too. If you’re in business and thinking about a merger, these updates could affect your next big move!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
HSR Money Limits Raised
Starting February 17, 2026, the Hart‑Scott‑Rodino (HSR) jurisdictional thresholds are revised. Key adjusted thresholds include: $10 million → $26.8 million; $50 million → $133.9 million; $100 million → $267.8 million; $110 million → $294.5 million; $200 million → $535.5 million; $500 million → $1.339 billion; $1 billion → $2.678 billion. These adjusted dollar thresholds replace the original threshold amounts where the HSR rules and form refer to values “(as adjusted).”
HSR Filing Fees Increased
Also effective February 17, 2026, the HSR filing fee schedule is revised. Examples of adjusted fee brackets: $30,000 fee tier becomes $35,000 for transactions under $189.6 million; $100,000 tier becomes $110,000 for transactions at least $189.6 million but less than $586.9 million; $250,000 → $275,000 for transactions at least $586.9 million but less than $1.174 billion; $400,000 → $440,000 for transactions at least $1.174 billion but less than $2.347 billion; $800,000 → $875,000 for transactions at least $2.347 billion but less than $5.869 billion; $2,250,000 → $2,460,000 for transactions $5.869 billion or more.
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Key Dates
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