Markets Wired

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a modified final order settling charges that Healthcare Technology Holdings, Inc.’s proposed acquisition of SDI Health LLC, through the former’s subsidiary IMS Health Inc., would be anticompetitive and likely would increase prices for market research products in the health care industry. The final order settling the FTC’s charges requires the sale of SDI’s promotional audit and medical audit businesses to an FTC-approved buyer, and includes minor changes in response to suggestions from the monitor in this matter.

The Commission vote approving the final order was 4-0. (FTC File No. 111-0097; the staff contact is Gregory Luib, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-3249; see press release dated October 28, 2011.)

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(FYI 2.2012.wpd)