NMa clears merger Noord-Holland hospitals

The Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa) has approved the proposed merger between Gemini Ziekenhuis in Den Helder and Medisch Centrum Alkmaar. The Authority has concluded, after investigation, that the merger will not create or strengthen a dominant position that would restrict competition in the Dutch market or in part thereof.

The parties to the merger both provide in-patient and out-patient hospital services in the northern region of the province of Noord-Holland. On the basis of journey times of patients living in the Den Helder and Alkmaar area, the Westfries Gasthuis in Hoorn and a number of other hospitals in adjacent regions are viable alternatives to the hospitals participating in the merger. They are likely to exert competitive pressure on the post-merger hospital. Also, the most important health insurers in the northern part of the province of Noord-Holland as well as other hospitals in this region and adjacent regions do not envisage any adverse effects on competition resulting from the merger.

In the course of its investigation, the NMa consulted the Dutch Health Authority. The latter has endorsed the outcome of the NMa decision.

The merger decision will be made available on the NMa website as soon as possible.