DOJ Consent Order Process Timeline

Summary

This timeline outlines the approval process for negotiated settlements (otherwise known as consent decrees) for merger investigations conducted by the Department of Justice, Antitrust Division (DOJ), from agreement in principle on the terms of the settlement with DOJ staff through final approval of the settlement by a federal district court. DOJ settlements must comply with the procedural requirements of the Tunney Act, 15 U.S.C. § 16, which provides for public comment regarding the proposed consent decree and a determination that the proposed consent decree is in the public interest by a federal district court.