Markets Wired

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Cardinal Health, Inc.’s acquisition of three nuclear pharmacies from Biotech was anticompetitive and reduced competition for low-energy radiopharmaceuticals in Las Vegas, Nevada; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and El Paso, Texas. Settlement of the FTC’s charges requires Cardinal to reconstitute and sell nuclear pharmacies in the three cities.

The Commission vote approving the final order, and letter to a member of the public who commented on it, was 4-0. The order can be found on the FTC’s website and as a link to this press release. Public comments can be found here on the FTC’s website. (FTC File No. 091-0136; the staff contact is Leonard Gordon, Director, FTC Northeast Region, 212-607-2801; see press release dated July 21, 2011.)

The FTC’s Bureau of Competition works with the Bureau of Economics to investigate alleged anticompetitive business practices and, when appropriate, recommends that the Commission take law enforcement action. To inform the Bureau about particular business practices, call 202-326-3300, send an e-mail to antitrust@ftc.gov, or write to the Office of Policy and Coordination, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission, 601 New Jersey Ave., Room 7117, Washington, DC 20580. To learn more about the Bureau of Competition, read Competition Counts. Like the FTC on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

(FYI 42.5.2011.wpd)