HCA INTERNATIONAL/LONDON HEART HOSPITAL

REFERENCE LAID ASIDE

The Competition Commission has laid aside the reference concerning the proposed acquisition by HCA International Limited of certain assets of the London Heart Hospital.

The reference was made to the Competition Commission on 20 July 2001 by Melanie Johnson, Minister for Competition, Consumers and Markets.

The Commission has concluded that HCA International Limited has, within the terms of section 75(5) of the Fair Trading Act 1973, abandoned the proposal to make arrangements for the acquisition. The Commission has accordingly, with the consent of the Minister, laid the reference aside.

Notes to Editors

The reference was made by Melanie Johnson, Minister for Competition, Consumers and Markets, on 20 July 2001 (see DTI news release P/2001/387). It has been laid aside in accordance with the provisions of section 75(5) of the Fair Trading Act 1973.
Dr Morris, Competition Commission Chairman, wrote to Melanie Johnson on 7 August 2001 seeking consent for the reference to be laid aside (see Commission news release 27/01).