Markets Wired

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that DaVita, Inc.’s acquisition of CDSI I Holding Company, also known as DSI, was anticompetitive and reduced competition in the U.S. market for outpatient dialysis clinics. The final order requires DaVita to sell 29 outpatient dialysis clinics in 22 markets throughout the country to resolve the alleged anticompetitive effects of the transaction.

The Commission vote approving the final order was 4-0. The order can be found on the FTC’s website and as a link to this press release. (FTC File No. 111-0102, Docket No. C-4334; the staff contact is Lisa D. DeMarchi Sleigh, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2535; see press release dated September 2, 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, Room 394, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W., 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 43.2011.wpd)