Jackie Grise Discusses DOJ Lawsuit Against Amex GBT Merger
Deal News | Jan 17, 2025 | Ropes & Gray
In an insightful article for the National Law Journal, antitrust partner Jackie Grise of Ropes & Gray delves into a significant antitrust lawsuit initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice. The lawsuit aims to prevent the merger between travel management giants Amex GBT and CWT Holdings. Jackie discusses the potential implications of the Trump administration's stance on antitrust regulations, particularly concerning Big Tech, suggesting that the incoming administration might not retract the lawsuit filed during the Biden era. Furthermore, she notes that if Gail Slater is confirmed as the assistant attorney general for the DOJ's Antitrust Division, a more populist approach compared to typical Republican stances might be adopted, potentially taking a strong position against influential tech firms like Amex GBT.
Sectors
- Legal Services
- Travel Management
- Technology
Geography
- United States – The legal actions, companies involved, and governmental body (DOJ) are all based in the United States.
Industry
- Legal Services – The article discusses a legal perspective on an antitrust lawsuit and involves analysis by legal professionals.
- Travel Management – The companies involved, Amex GBT and CWT Holdings, operate within the travel management sector.
- Technology – Amex GBT is classified in the analysis as a Big Tech company due to its digital and technological capabilities.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackie Grise | Antitrust Partner and Commentator | Person | Jackie Grise is an antitrust partner at Ropes & Gray who provided analysis for the article. |
| Ropes & Gray | Legal Advisor | Company | A prominent law firm providing legal advice in the article. |
| U.S. Department of Justice | Governmental Body | Government | The DOJ is responsible for filing the antitrust lawsuit. |
| Amex GBT | Target Company | Company | A travel management company attempting to acquire CWT Holdings. |
| CWT Holdings | Target Company | Company | A rival travel management company targeted for acquisition by Amex GBT. |
| Gail Slater | Potential Assistant Attorney General | Person | Nominated to potentially lead the DOJ's Antitrust Division, expected to influence antitrust policy. |