In merger control proceedings relating to the planned takeover of Rhön subsidiaries by Fresenius the Bundeskartellamt has initiated second phase proceedings. The health care group Fresenius SE & Co. KG aA plans to acquire several holdings and subsidiaries from Rhön-Klinikum AG. The target companies operate a total of 43 clinics and 15 medical care centres in Germany. In its decision of 22 October 2013 the European Commission had referred the case to the Bundeskartellamt.

Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt: "This is the largest concentration project in the German hospital sector so far. The aim of merger control in the hospital sector is to maintain competitive structures for the benefit of the patient. The Bundeskartellamt is closely examining the planned takeover. The examination focuses particularly on the regional overlaps in in-patient care and on the demand side in relation to health insurance funds."

Fresenius is also active in Germany as a supplier of medical products. The Bundeskartellamt will therefore also examine several markets for medical products, such as e.g. the market for infusion solutions or dialysis products, to establish the likely effects of the merger between an important manufacturer and a major buyer of these products.

Due to the wide scope of the investigation it has become necessary to initiate second phase proceedings. The time limit for a decision by the Bundeskartellamt has thus been extended to the end of February 2014.