Robin S. Crauthers | McCarter & English, LLP

Robin Crauthers helps clients understand the regulatory environment in which they operate and crafts creative solutions to manage risk and achieve business goals.

Robin’s practice focuses on antitrust matters, including litigation, government investigations, and merger control. She handles matters involving price-fixing, exclusive dealing, product distributions, monopolization, competitor collaborations, and trade association conduct. Robin represents clients in government investigations conducted by the Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and various state attorneys general involving anticompetitive practices and provides antitrust compliance training to help clients avoid future regulatory scrutiny.

Robin also advises on Hart-Scott-Rodino pre-merger notification, merger analysis, and seeking clearance for transactions reviewed by the DOJ and the FTC. She has obtained multijurisdictional antitrust clearance in high-stakes, billion-dollar transactions and regularly represents clients before both agencies. Robin drafts agency presentations, white papers, and advocacy letters to help clients advance their positons before government.

Robin previously served as a trial attorney at the DOJ, Antitrust Division in the Media, Entertainment, and Professional Services section, where she led matters related to the broadcast, ticketing, and professional services industries. During her time at the DOJ, Robin was an integral part of several notable litigation teams, including United States v. AB Electrolux, United States v. Tribune Publishing, and United States v. Deere/Monsanto/Precision Planting.

Represented Hawaiian Airlines in its $1.9 billion acquisition by Alaska Airlines. Managed the company’s Second Request, drafted advocacy, and agency presentations. The DOJ cleared the transaction without action.

Represented ForgeRock, a software company, in its $2.3 billion acquisition by Thoma Bravo. Led the company through its Second Request and assisted with advocacy and econometric work streams. Also prepared all witnesses for deposition and drafted agency presentations. The DOJ cleared the transaction without requiring any remedies.

Represented Outbrain, a software company, in an investigation by the DOJ’s Grand Jury into the company’s hiring practices, resulting in no prosecutions.

Represented Mandiant, a cybersecurity company, in its $5.4 billion acquisition by Google. Led the Second Request compliance effort and drafted related advocacy. Following the DOJ’s issuance of a Second Request, Mandiant was not subject to full compliance and received early clearance.

Advised KnowBe4, a software company, in its acquisition by Vista.

Advised Talend, a software company, in its acquisition by Thoma Bravo.

Advised Pluralsight, a software company, in its acquisition by Vista.

Represented a client involved in digital advertising in a DOJ no-poach investigation.

Represented Outbrain, a software company, in securing DOJ clearance following a Second Request in its $850 million acquisition by Taboola.

Represented Plaid, a financial services company, in the DOJ’s investigation into and subsequent litigation involving Plaid’s acquisition by Visa.

Represented PacBio, a biotechnology company, in the FTC’s investigation into PacBio’s acquisition by Illumina.