Nokia and Alcatel-Lucent Merger

In June 2015, the Department of Justice (DOJ) granted early termination of the waiting period applicable to the Nokia – Alcatel-Lucent transaction. Although sales shares were relatively concentrated in the United States, Compass Lexecon expert Dennis Carlton explained in meetings and correspondence with the DOJ that shares were not indicative of a competitive concern because bidding for contracts was largely concluded for the current technology, bidding data demonstrated a substantial number of competitors, and the transaction would enable the combined firm to be a more effective competitor in the development of the next generation of telecommunications standards and equipment. The DOJ apparently agreed and granted early termination. The Compass Lexecon team supporting Dr. Carlton included Bryan Keating, Allan Shampine, Kirupakaran Ramaiah and Deborah Healy. Compass Lexecon worked closely with outside counsel for Nokia, including Steven Sunshine, Matthew Hendrickson and Joseph Rancour of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.