Mar 14, 2025

I recently came across news about the Federal Trade Commission’s request for more time before proceeding with a case against Amazon, citing resource constraints. However, the FTC quickly changed its stance, stating that they are fully prepared to litigate the case. This incident raises concerns about the FTC’s ability to enforce antitrust laws effectively. The case involves allegations against Amazon for enrolling customers in its Prime program without consent and making it difficult to cancel subscriptions.

Another development I learned about was GSR Ventures separating its U.S. business from its China business and rebranding the U.S. effort as Informed Ventures. This move comes after facing criticism from Congress for its cross-border investing activities. The decision to split the business reflects a strategic shift to address political challenges and enhance operational effectiveness.

Additionally, iRobot issued a warning stating that it may not survive independently and is considering a sale or strategic transaction. This follows the collapse of a proposed takeover by Amazon due to opposition from European antitrust regulators. The company’s future remains uncertain as it explores options to ensure sustainability.

In other news, I heard that the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is no longer being enforced under the Trump administration. While the law against paying bribes remains, President Trump issued an executive order “pausing” its enforcement. Compliance officers are still advising against paying bribes, citing reasons such as the law still being in place and the risks associated with breaking it.

Finally, there was mention of the importance of accessing good investments in initial public offerings or new-issue debt deals to gain alpha in public markets. It was also noted that Pacific Investment Management Co. is hesitant to venture into private credit due to concerns about a potential bubble in that market. This cautious approach underscores the significance of making careful credit decisions, even if it means turning down certain private credit deals.

Stay Well!