Bureau of Competition
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Bureau of Competition (BC) is a division of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), located in Washington, D.C. It enforces antitrust laws to maintain and promote competition in the U.S. economy, ensuring that markets operate efficiently for the benefit of consumers and businesses.
Mission
The mission of the Bureau of Competition is to protect and promote competition by challenging anticompetitive mergers, monopolistic practices, and other business behaviors that could harm market dynamics. This work supports innovation, consumer welfare, and economic growth.[1]
Parent organization
The Bureau of Competition is part of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which is an Independent Agency. The FTC is responsible for consumer protection and competition law enforcement.
Legislation
The Bureau operates under the authority of the Federal Trade Commission Act, alongside the Sherman Act and Clayton Act, which collectively form the backbone of U.S. antitrust law.
Partners
- Department of Justice for joint antitrust enforcement efforts
- State attorneys general for cooperative enforcement actions
- International competition agencies for cross-border competition issues
Number of employees
The specific number of employees is not publicly specified, but the Bureau includes attorneys, economists, and support staff focused on antitrust enforcement.
Organization structure
The structure of the Bureau of Competition includes:
Leader
The head of the Bureau is the Director of the Bureau of Competition.
Divisions
- Mergers I and II for reviewing proposed mergers
- Anticompetitive Practices I and II for investigating exclusionary conduct and other anticompetitive practices
- Health Care Division for competition issues in the health care sector
List of programs
- Premerger Notification Program (HSR Act)
- Antitrust Enforcement Activities
- Industry-specific investigations (e.g., pharmaceuticals, technology)
Last total enacted budget
The specific budget for the Bureau of Competition isn't publicly detailed separately; it's part of the FTC's overall budget.
Staff
Staff includes antitrust attorneys, economists, paralegals, and administrative support, all dedicated to competition law enforcement.
Funding
Funding for the Bureau comes from the FTC's budget, which is appropriated by Congress.
Services provided
The Bureau provides services like reviewing mergers for antitrust concerns, investigating and challenging anticompetitive practices, and participating in policy development to ensure competitive markets. It also conducts educational outreach to inform businesses about antitrust laws.[2]
Headquarters address
600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580
History
Established as part of the FTC since the passage of the Federal Trade Commission Act in 1914, the Bureau of Competition has evolved to address new economic challenges and market structures, adapting its strategies to modern business practices and technological advancements.
External links
References
- ↑ Federal Trade Commission (2025). "Bureau of Competition". Federal Trade Commission.
- ↑ Federal Trade Commission (2025). "Bureau of Competition". Federal Trade Commission.