Bank Mergers Today: New Guidelines, Changing Markets
In June of 1982, the Department of Justice (the Department) issued the long-awaited merger guidelines, replacing those issued in 1968. The guidelines have as their principal objective the reduction of uncertainty associated with the enforcement of the antitrust laws. This reduction of uncertainty is expected to assist managers in their expansion strategies by increasing their understanding of the principles and standards involved in the Department's antitrust analysis. By issuing guidelines, the Department reveals to the business community the nature and extent of its antitrust evaluation.