The Czech competition authority, known as Úřad pro ochranu hospodářské soutěže, has granted approval for Penta Hospitals Holdings Limited to acquire exclusive control over Group Mediterra a.s. This merger pertains to the provision of healthcare services, including outpatient and inpatient care.

According to the authority's findings, the merger will not lead to a substantial distortion of competition in the market. The decision has already become legally binding.

Penta Hospitals Holdings is part of the international Penta group, which operates in various sectors within the Czech Republic, including healthcare services, pharmacy retail, and real estate.

Group Mediterra operates six medical facilities across the Czech Republic, including locations in Prague and Mělník. The authority focused on the impact of the merger in Prague and Mělník, where both parties have healthcare facilities.

The analysis revealed that the merger would not significantly increase the market share of the merging parties in the inpatient healthcare market in Prague. Additionally, it would not adversely affect patient choice in Mělník, where there are numerous providers of outpatient care services.

The merger also affects the wholesale distribution of pharmaceuticals. However, due to the low volume of pharmaceutical purchases by Mediterra's healthcare facilities, the merger is not expected to strengthen Penta's distributor, ViaPharma, or disadvantage its competitors.