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FTC Reaches $12 Million Settlement Over Alleged HSR Filing Failure by Edwards and Genesis

The proposed judgment reflects the agency’s view that a $25 million investment should have been counted with a $115 million purchase when assessing HSR filing obligations.

Overview

  • The Federal Trade Commission announced a proposed settlement in July 2026 that would require Edwards Lifesciences to pay $10 million and Genesis to pay $2 million for failing to file Hart‑Scott‑Rodino notifications.
  • The FTC says Edwards bought JC Medical for $115 million in July 2024 while also agreeing to a $25 million investment in Genesis, and that those payments together pushed the deal above the HSR filing threshold.
  • As part of the proposal Edwards would face prior‑notice obligations for certain future transactions in the same product area and must implement stronger compliance steps.
  • The agency previously sued to block Edwards’ planned purchase of JenaValve and won a January 2026 preliminary injunction, after which Edwards abandoned that acquisition.
  • The case signals rising FTC scrutiny of deal structure and related agreements — such as side investments, earnouts, and milestone payments — and warns dealmakers to document valuations and use antitrust counsel early.