NMa clears merger Limburg hospitals

The Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa) has cleared the merger between the Laurentius hospital in Roermond and the St. Jans Gasthuis in Weert. The Authority concluded after investigation that the merger does not create or strengthen a dominant position that may impede competition in the Dutch market or in a part thereof.

Both parties involved in the merger provide general hospital care services in the region of Midden-Limburg. It is apparent from NMa research, measuring travelling times for patients located in Midden-Limburg, that various hospitals in bordering regions may provide an alternative to the services delivered by the merging hospitals. These hospitals are likely to exert competitive pressure on the Laurentius Ziekenhuis and the St. Jans Gasthuis. In the region of Midden-Limburg and bordering areas, the merging parties have a combined market share of less than 25% in the field of general hospital care.