Adherence packaging merger – issues statement
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published an issues statement as part of its inquiry into the proposed acquisition by Omnicell, Inc./MTS Medication Technologies, Inc. of SurgiChem Limited from Bupa Care Homes (CFG) plc.
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) referred the case to the Competition Commission (CC) on 14 March 2014 for it to decide whether the proposed acquisition may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition in any market or markets for goods or services in the UK. On 1 April, the CC became part of the CMA (see notes for editors), which has continued with the inquiry.
Both parties supply adherence packaging and other related products. Adherence packaging is used to repackage a patient’s pharmaceutical medicine requirements, to make it easier for patients to take the correct medicine and dose at the correct time. The packaging is sold to pharmacies who then supply it free to patients in the community and care homes.
The CMA is expected to publish its final report by 28 August 2014.
The issues statement identifies clearly for all interested parties the key questions which the inquiry is examining. The issues statement does not imply that the Inquiry Group has yet identified any competition concerns.
The full issues statement is available on the inquiry home page along with all other published information relating to the investigation.
Any interested party is invited to respond to the issues statement, in writing, by no later than 5pm on 9 May 2014.
To submit evidence, please email omnicell.surgichem@cma.gsi.gov.uk or write to:
Inquiry Manager
Omnicell/SurgiChem merger inquiry
Competition and Markets Authority
Victoria House
Southampton Row
LONDON
WC1B 4AD
Notes for editors
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The CMA is the UK’s primary competition and consumer authority. It is an independent non-ministerial government department with responsibility for carrying out investigations into mergers, markets and the regulated industries and enforcing competition and consumer law. From 1 April 2014 it took over the functions of the CC and the competition and certain consumer functions of the OFT, as amended by the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013.
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The members of the Omnicell/SurgiChem Inquiry Group are: Roger Witcomb (chairman), Marisa Cassoni, Michael Hutchings and Jill May.
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Enquiries should be directed to Rory Taylor or Siobhan Allen or by ringing 020 3738 8798 or 020 3738 6460.