Hart-Scott-Rodino notification thresholds increase on February 28, 2008

Effective February 28, 2008, the minimum transaction value triggering a Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act (“HSR Act”) filing will increase from $59.8 million to $63.1 million, based on changes in the U.S. Gross National Product. The HSR Act provides, prior to completing a merger or acquisition that meets or exceeds these transaction value thresholds, the parties may be required to file notifications with the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice