Philadelphia National Bank, Globalization, and the Public Interest

46 Pages Posted: 7 Mar 2015 Last revised: 23 Jan 2023

See all articles by Harry First

Harry First

New York University School of Law

Eleanor M. Fox

New York University School of Law

Date Written: March 5, 2015

Abstract

This Article examines the use of public interest factors in merger analysis. We begin with a review of the use of such factors in jurisdictions around the world and then focus on the U.S. Supreme Court’s rejection of public interest factors in the Philadelphia National Bank case and on South Africa’s thoughtful consideration of public interest factors in its analysis of Wal-Mart’s acquisition of Massmart, a South African retailer. Although we do not advocate a ready embrace of public interest considerations, we do think that the Wal-Mart/Massmart decision provides insight into how jurisdictions that consider public interest factors might usefully do so. Based on the lessons learned from these two cases, we conclude with a discussion of the appropriate norms that jurisdictions should follow when taking account of public interest in merger enforcement, with particular emphasis on clear articulation of public interest goals, transparency of process, and quantification of costs and benefits.

Keywords: antitrust, competition law, mergers, Clayton Act, public interest, European Union, China, South Africa, jobs, transparency, norms

JEL Classification: K21, L10, L40, G34

Suggested Citation

First, Harry and Fox, Eleanor M., Philadelphia National Bank, Globalization, and the Public Interest (March 5, 2015). Antitrust Law Journal, Vol. 80, No. 2, 2015, NYU Law and Economics Research Paper No. 15-05, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2574288

Harry First (Contact Author)

New York University School of Law ( email )

40 Washington Square South
New York, NY 10012-1099
United States
212-998-6211 (Phone)
212-995-4760 (Fax)

Eleanor M. Fox

New York University School of Law ( email )

40 Washington Square South
New York, NY 10012-1099
United States
212-998-6171 (Phone)

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