26/01
26 July 2001

HCA INTERNATIONAL/LONDON HEART HOSPITAL: COMPETITION COMMISSION INVITES EVIDENCE

Melanie Johnson, Minister for Competition, Consumers and Markets, has asked the Competition Commission to look into the acquisition by HCA International Limited of certain assets of the London Heart Hospital, which supplies private cardiac medical services in Central London.

The Commission has been asked to report to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by 1 November 2001. The report will be published later.

The Commission would like to hear from all interested parties, in writing, by 10 August 2001. To submit evidence please either write to:

or e-mail: hospital@competition-commission.org.uk

Professor Paul Geroski, a deputy chairman of the Commission, will chair the inquiry. Other Members will be appointed shortly.

Notes to Editors

1. This reference was made under the Fair Trading Act 1973 on 20 July 2001 (see DTI Press Notice P/2001/387).

2. Further information about this inquiry can be obtained from the Commission’s website at www.competition-commission.org.uk

3. Enquiries should be directed to:

Francis Royle, Press Officer, telephone: 020 7271 0242

Group Members
Professor P Geroski (Chairman)