NMa clears merger between Dutch hospital care providers HagaZiekenhuis and Reinier de Graaf Groep

The Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa) has cleared the merger between two hospital care providers based in the western Dutch province of South-Holland, HagaZiekenhuis Foundation and Reinier de Graaf Groep Foundation. According to the NMa, the merger will not negatively affect competition. Henk Don, Member of the Board of the NMa, comments: ‘There will be enough hospitals left patients can go to if they are dissatisfied with the services of HagaZiekenhuis and/or Reinier de Graaf Groep.’

After the merger, enough hospitals will remain active in the region that can compete with the merger hospitals, and these competitor hospitals have enough capacity to accommodate additional patients, if so needed. This view is supported by all interviewed hospitals and health insurers.

In its investigation into the merger’s effects, the NMa looked at and identified, among other aspects, journey times and patient flows between the merger hospitals and to other hospitals. Furthermore, competitor hospitals and five health insurers in the region were asked questions.

HagaZiekenhuis and Reinier de Graaf Groep offer general hospital care and high-end care. As is common practice in health care cases, the NMa consulted with the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) in its investigation. The merger decision will be published on the NMa’s website soon.

Documents and publications
Decisions HagaZiekenhuis – Reinier de Graaf Groep (in Dutch)