US Launches Portal to Track International Antitrust Fugitives

On March 6, 2025, the FTC filed a lawsuit against GTCR BC Holdings over its proposed acquisition of Surmodics, alleging it would violate antitrust laws by consolidating the top two providers of hydrophilic coatings for medical devices. This marks the first challenge under the new Republican-led FTC, which is noted for shifting focus away from the anti-private equity stance of previous leadership. Concurrently, the DOJ and FBI launched an online portal to track international fugitives charged with antitrust crimes, enhancing cooperation to address cross-border violations. This initiative aligns with a recent Executive Order that pauses FCPA enforcement to ease regulatory burdens on US businesses abroad. Meanwhile, in Europe, the Belgian Competition Authority is scrutinizing below-threshold mergers, indicating an increasing willingness to enforce competition rules more broadly. These developments illustrate a heightened vigilance in both US and European antitrust enforcement landscapes.