CMA provisionally finds hearing implants merger could substantially reduce competition, potentially leading to worse outcomes for patients and higher costs for the
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally found a merger between two of the biggest players in the
The proposed merger of
Competition between firms supplying BCS products is critical in driving innovation and Cochlear and Oticon Medical are the only two suppliers of 'Passive' BCS products in the
This could lead to patients who need hearing implants losing out, with less choice, reduced quality, or less innovation, as well as the
Today's provisional findings followed the consideration of a wide range of evidence, including concerns raised by clinics, who prescribe these products to patients, and other market participants. During the next stage of its investigation, the CMA will consider potential remedies for its concerns, including whether halting Cochlear's purchase of Oticon Medical or preventing the sale of the BCS part of that business is likely to be an effective way to address the competition issues.
Chair of the CMA's independent inquiry group,
We're concerned that this deal could seriously reduce competition with patients having fewer suppliers to choose from, potentially losing out from less innovation and lower product quality going forward, as well as in the long term potentially costing the
Any remedies offered by the parties that could effectively address our competition concerns and any other adverse effects of the proposed deal will be considered.
Any submissions to the CMA on practicable remedies to address the provisionally identified substantial lessening of competition (SLC) need to be received by 4 May. Views on our provisional findings are also welcome and must be received by 11 May. All responses will be considered ahead of the CMA issuing its final report, which is due by
For more information, visit the Cochlear/Oticon Medical merger inquiry page.
Notes to Editors:
All media enquiries should be directed to the CMA press office by email on press@cma.gov.uk, or by phone on 020 3738 6460.
Cochlear (
Demant (
BCS products are used in the treatment of conductive, mixed, and single-sided hearing loss. They bypass damaged parts of the ear by using a sound processor that converts sounds into vibrations that are sent directly to the inner ear. There are two types of BCS products: Passive and Active. They differ in the way they connect the transducer (that translates sounds into vibrations transmitted through the bone) to the sound processor.
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