The 2026 HSR playbook: risk, remedies, and the case for early economist engagement

As the merger review landscape continues to evolve, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for dealmakers. Join us for a deep dive into how the new Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) filings regime and evolving enforcement trends are reshaping deal strategy and regulatory engagement.

The February 2025 HSR rule changes introduced sweeping new requirements, including mandatory CEO certifications, submission of draft board materials, and internal market analyses—fundamentally altering how filings are prepared and reviewed, including early involvement of economists. This webinar will unpack the implications of these changes, summarize key takeaways from the first 10 months under the new regime, explore anticipated regulatory shifts, and provide actionable guidance for legal teams navigating an increasingly complex environment. From rising filing volumes and remedy-focused enforcement to expanded disclosure requirements, the session will provide practical guidance to avoid common missteps, align cross-functional efforts, and achieve successful outcomes.

Attendees will gain access to practical tools, including a pre-filing collaboration checklist and a red flag strategy guide, and participate in a scenario-based workshop to apply insights in real time. Through interactive scenario planning and real-world case exercises, participants will leave with a sharper understanding of how to tailor HSR strategies to evolving regulatory expectations.

Speakers:

Jenn Mellott

Office Managing Partner, Washington, DC, Freshfields

Jenn Mellott focuses on global antitrust law, helping clients navigate regulatory scrutiny to get complex multinational transactions over the line. Jenn partners with clients to solve challenges across the entire spectrum of competition law. She specializes in merger control, antitrust compliance counselling, antitrust litigation and behavioral investigations, helping clients develop robust defense strategies that reduce financial and reputational risk. With extensive experience representing clients in complex Second Request and Phase II merger control proceedings and cartel investigations in the US, EU, and UK, Jenn’s sharp insights give companies the confidence to make important strategic decisions under pressure.

Meghan Rissmiller

Partner, Freshfields

Meghan Rissmiller represents clients in merger investigations before the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In addition to her merger investigations practice, Meghan counsels clients on a range of antitrust issues, including competitor collaborations, joint ventures, all aspects of vertical relationships, and contractual arrangements. Meghan has experience across industries on complex and high-stakes antitrust issues. Meghan is known for her ability to become fully immersed in her clients’ businesses, for providing highly tailored commercial advice, and for translating technical subjects into plain language to appeal to businesspeople and regulators alike.

Dr. Craig Malam

Partner, Edgeworth Economics

Dr. Craig Malam is an antitrust economist with a focus on merger investigations and related litigation. Craig prepares and presents expert economic analysis for merging parties during all phases of US government and global investigations, including in pre-deal antitrust risk assessment, and the initial HSR filing and waiting period, and has supported numerous parties’ compliance with complex second requests and extended advocacy. Craig has extensive experience analyzing economic issues relevant to mergers across a wide variety of industries and transaction types. Craig began his career with the Office of the Chief Economist at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), where he served for seven years as a Senior Economic Advisor, leading the economic analyses of numerous mergers, and alleged cartels, monopolization, price fixing, predatory pricing, and abuse of market power investigations.