mergers submitted for review by the Federal Trade Commission was for transactions between $100–$150 million.

The laws that give government the power to block certain mergers, and even in some cases to break up large

firms into smaller ones, are called antitrust laws. Before a large merger happens, the antitrust regulators at

the FTC and the U.S. Department of Justice can allow the merger, prohibit it, or allow it if certain conditions are

met. One common condition is that the merger will be allowed if the firm agrees to sell off certain parts. For

example, in 2006, Johnson & Johnson bought the Pfizer’s “consumer health” division, which included well-

known brands like Listerine mouthwash and Sudafed cold medicine. As a condition of allowing the merger,

Johnson & Johnson was required to sell off six brands to other firms, including Zantac® heartburn relief
medication, Cortizone anti-itch cream, and Balmex diaper rash medication, to preserve a greater degree of
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