DOJ Sues H&R Block

The DOJ's Antitrust Division filed a suit to block H&R Block's proposed acquisition of TaxAct yesterday.  H&R Block is in the process of learning a lesson (likely expensive) about what not to say in the run up to a deal.  For example, internal documents from H&R Block noted that the primary benefit of the acquisition would be “elimination of competitor.”  That's never good a good document to hand over when the antitrust authorities come knocking.  Another goodie - internal documents note that “acquir[ing] TaxACT and [will] eliminate the brand to regain control of industry pricing and further price erosion.”  

Here's the DOJ's complaint.

-bjmq