FTC, DOJ Seek Comment on Serial Acquirers, Private Equity Deals

The Federal Trade Commission and US Justice Department are asking for public comment on companies that pursue serial acquisitions or other strategies, part of broader scrutiny of private equity deals.

The request for information marks an escalation of the federal inquiries into what impact private equity is having on the health-care sector. Federal regulators worry that many private equity deals are too small to trigger antitrust review but can nonetheless have a big impact on consolidation.

Both agencies on Thursday said they are asking stakeholders including businesses, elected officials, workers, trade organizations, and consumers to identify and explain the impact ...