Watchdog blocks merger of hearing implant firms ‘to protect patients and NHS’
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Our primary concern is the well-being of patients Kip Meek, CMA The combined company would control more than 90% of the UK market and new players would be unlikely to pose any major competition threat to Cochlear should the deal proceed. We found that the full merger could reduce innovation and quality and potentially cost the NHS more through higher prices,” said Kip Meek, chair of the independent panel of experts conducting this investigation. “We’re pleased to find a solution which not only addresses these competition concerns but is also less onerous than preventing the merger entirely.” The CMA said it would not block another part of the takeover, after it investigated the cochlear implants business but found there were no competition concerns.
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