CareTech Holdings plc / Cambian Group plc merger inquiry

The CMA investigated and cleared the completed acquisition by CareTech Holdings plc of Cambian Group plc.

• From: Competition and Markets Authority
• Published: 19 October 2018
• Last updated: 8 February 2019 — See all updates

• Case type: Mergers
• Case state: Closed
• Market sector: Healthcare and medical equipment
• Outcome: Mergers - phase 1 clearance
• Opened: 19 October 2018
• Closed: 21 February 2019

Statutory timetable

Phase 1 Date	Action
21 February 2019	Decison published
8 February 2019	Decison announced
12 December 2018	Launch of merger inquiry
28 November 2018 to 12 December 2018	Invitation to comment
16 October 2018	Initial enforcement order

Phase 1

CMA clearance decision

8 February 2019: The CMA has cleared the completed acquisition by CareTech Holdings plc of Cambian Group plc.

• Full text decision (21.2.19)

Launch of merger inquiry

12 December 2018: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.

• Commencement of initial period notice (12.12.18)

Invitation to comment: closes on 12 December 2018

28 November 2018: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction has resulted in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation has resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.

To assist it with this assessment, the CMA invites comments on the transaction from any interested party.

Initial enforcement order

On 16 October 2018, the CMA served an initial enforcement order under section 72(2) of the Enterprise Act 2002 on CareTech Holdings plc and Cambian Group plc, in relation to the anticipated acquisition by CareTech Holdings plc of Cambian Group plc.

• Initial enforcement order (19.10.18)

Amendments/consents granted:

• Derogation 15 January 2019 (28.1.19)
• Derogation 22 October 2018 (23.10.18)
• Derogation 18 October 2018 (19.10.18)
• Derogation 17 October 2018 (19.10.18)

Contact

Please send written representations about any competition or public interest to general.enquiries@cma.gov.uk.

Published 19 October 2018
Last updated 8 February 2019 + show all updates

1. 8 February 2019

   Clearance decision announced.

2. 12 December 2018

   Launch of merger inquiry.

3. 28 November 2018

   Invitation to comment issued.

4. 23 October 2018

   New derogation granted.

5. 19 October 2018

   First published.