FTC 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 Federal Trade Commission (FTC), from agreement in principle on the terms of the settlement with FTC staff through final approval of the settlement by the FTC Commissioners. Unlike settlements with the DOJ, which are subject to the Tunney Act requirements and approved by a federal district court, consent decrees with the FTC are approved by the FTC Commissioners.