News and commentary about white-collar crime, enforcement, and compliance
Harry Cassin
Publisher and Editor
Andy Spalding
Senior Editor
Jessica Tillipman
Senior Editor
Bill Steinman
Senior Editor
Richard L. Cassin
Editor at Large
Elizabeth K. Spahn
Editor Emeritus
Cody Worthington
Contributing Editor
Julie DiMauro
Contributing Editor
Thomas Fox
Contributing Editor
Marc Alain Bohn
Contributing Editor
Bill Waite
Contributing Editor
Russell A. Stamets
Contributing Editor
Richard Bistrong
Contributing Editor
Eric Carlson
Contributing Editor
I’m not defending what Novartis did or trying to find an excuse for the company. It violated the FCPA, and (along with a former subsidiary) paid nearly $347 million in penalties and disgorgement to resolve the offenses.… Continue Reading
Two very different groups of companies will emerge from the lockdown: thousands with liquidity problems and uncertain futures, and hundreds with piles of cash and an appetite for growth. That means there’s a coming surge in mergers and acquisitions.… Continue Reading
Last week, Novartis agreed to pay a $185 million criminal fine for off-label marketing of the epilepsy drug Trileptal, and $237.5 million to resolve civil allegations over kickbacks paid to doctors to prescribe Trileptal and five other drugs.… Continue Reading
By Thomas Fox
I want to thank Kyle Sheahen for his recent post and paper arguing that the promotional expenses defense under the FCPA is illusory. His work has stimulated a useful debate.… Continue Reading
In its quarterly report released August 9, SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc. said it received an SEC subpoena and a letter from the DOJ investigating the “sale, licensing and marketing of its products in foreign countries, including China.”… Continue Reading
Mergers and acquisitions are back. Seeking Alpha just said: “Over the past few weeks, there has been a resurgence in acquisition activity, fueling an already strong market rally. This news has spanned all regions of the economy ranging from the transportation sector (Burlington Northern being taken over by Berkshire Hathaway) to pharmaceuticals (Schering Plough being acquired by Merck).… Continue Reading
The Securities and Exchange Commission said in October this year it is investigating possible violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by the leading manufacturers of orthopedic implants. Biomet Inc.,… Continue Reading
Cardinal Health’s 2003 Acquisition of Syncor Established Important FCPA Precedents Concerning Pre-Merger Due Diligence and Successor Liability
Monty Fu, the founder of Syncor International Corp., agreed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 27, 2007 to resolve U.S.… Continue Reading