FTC Raises Bar on Corporate Overlaps: New Money Limits Apply
Published Date: 1/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Trade Commission just updated the money limits that decide when one person can’t be a boss at two competing companies. If the companies are big enough—now with new thresholds of about $54 million and $5.4 million—this rule kicks in right away starting January 16, 2026. This helps keep business fair and stops conflicts of interest between rival companies.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Higher dollar tests for interlocks
The FTC updated the dollar limits that trigger Section 8 of the Clayton Act. The new thresholds take effect immediately on January 16, 2026: $54,402,000 for Section 8(a)(1) and $5,440,200 for Section 8(a)(2)(A).
Small-firm sales exemption stays $1,000,000
Section 8 does not cover competitor corporations if the competitive sales of either corporation are less than $1,000,000. That $1,000,000 sales exception remains in effect as stated in the notice.
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Key Dates
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