UnitedHealth, EMIS Merger Provisionally Cleared by UK Regulator--Update

By Anthony O. Goriainoff

The U.K.'s Competition and Markets authority said it hasn't found any competition concerns in the UnitedHealth Group-Optum UK and EMIS Group merger so far following an in-depth investigation, provisionally clearing the 1.2 billion pound ($1.52 billion) deal.

The regulator said Friday that it will now consult on its findings and listen to any further views before it reaches a final decision, adding that it welcomed responses until Sept. 1. Its final report is due Oct. 5, it said.

UnitedHealth and EMIS are specialist health-care tech and software companies, which provide services to the U.K.'s National Health Service.

In March the CMA referred the merger to a next-phase investigation after considering that initial undertakings wouldn't achieve a reasonable solution to concerns that it could reduce competition, leading to worse outcomes for the National Health Service, patients and taxpayers.

Optum UK, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth, said in a statement it welcomed the findings and would "continue to engage cooperatively with the CMA until its investigation concludes."

"We remain focused on supporting the long-term success of the NHS. Our aim is to help make the U.K. health care system work better for general practitioners and patients alike," it said.

Write to Anthony O. Goriainoff at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

August 11, 2023 06:10 ET (10:10 GMT)

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