Hedge Fund Fined For Violating HSR Act

The managing partner of a hedge fund agreed to pay a $250,000 fine to settle charges by the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") that he failed to comply with the HSR Act's reporting obligations.  The FTC enforcement action serves as a reminder that substantial fines may be imposed for failure to comply with pre-merger notification regulations, even if inadvertent, and regardless of the lack of any apparent impact on competition. In addition, this action provides yet another indication of the federal antitrust agencies' continued scrutiny of investment firms such as hedge funds and private equity firms.