Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of Synthes by Johnson and Johnson

The European Commission opened on the 4 November 2011 an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the planned acquisition of Synthes Inc. by Johnson and Johnson, both US companies active in the area of orthopaedic medical devices.

Commission Vice President in charge of competition policy Joaquín Almunia said: “The proposed acquisition would remove a competitor from some markets which are already concentrated. The Commission needs to make sure that effective competition is preserved, in order to maintain innovation and prevent harm to patients."

European Commission: Competition: Mergers: Legislation http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/legislation/regulations.html#merger_reg

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