The acquisition of Topps by a company associated with Michael Eisner and a private equity fund (see 'Topps Company To Be Acquired') will not violate anti-trust rules, according to a ruling by the Federal Trade Commission announced this week.  This clears a regulatory hurdle and moves the deal one step closer to closing. 

The stock is trading slightly higher than the announced acquisition price, indicating that at least some investors believe that a competing, higher bid will materialize.  There are about 10 days left in the 40-day 'go shop' period that the company committed to when it announced the sale plans.  One logical source for another bid might be a Topps competitor, although there would be inevitable issues with the sports leagues that are licensors to the card companies.