The two US competition agencies are to overhaul merger guidelines, which could make it far harder to conclude large mergers and acquisitions as Joe Biden’s administration seeks to crack down on anti-competitive practices.

The Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice said in a joint statement on Tuesday that they were seeking input from the public on the rule revamp, which was aimed at strengthening antitrust enforcement amid a surge in tie-ups. Merger filings more than doubled between 2020 and 2021, they added.

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Sarah Miller, executive director of the progressive campaign group American Economic Liberties Project, said the call for comments was a “victory for honest businesses, working people, and consumers” that “should be applauded by anyone concerned about the power of Big Tech or the plight of working families”.