DRÄGER MEDICAL’S PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF AIR-SHIELDS

Competition Commission invites evidence

The OFT has asked the Competition Commission (CC) to look into the proposed acquisition by Dräger Medical AG & Co KGaA of Air-Shields from Hillenbrand Industries Inc.

The CC has been asked to consider whether the proposed acquisition may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition in the market for the supply of neo-natal warming therapy products in the UK, which include closed care incubators, open warming beds, transport incubators and photo therapy products for very young (including premature) babies. The CC is required to publish its report by 3 June 2004.

The CC would like to hear from all interested parties, in writing, as soon as possible and by 9 January 2004. To submit evidence, please write to:

Inquiry Secretary (Dräger/Air-Shields)
Competition Commission
New Court
48 Carey Street
LONDON
WC2A 2JT

Or email:

Notes for editors

The Enterprise Act 2002 empowers the OFT to refer to the CC completed or proposed mergers for investigation and report which create or enhance a 25 per cent share of supply in the UK (or a substantial part thereof) or where the UK turnover associated with the enterprise being acquired is over £70 million (see OFT Press Release PN 173/03).
The CC has a 24-week period in which it is required to publish its report, which may be extended by no more than eight weeks if it considers that there are special reasons why the report cannot be published within that period.
Further information can be obtained from the CC’s web site at: http://www.competition-commission.org.uk.
Enquiries should be directed to Francis Royle, Press Officer, tel: 020 7271 0242.

Group Members

Sir Derek Morris (Chairman)
Laurence Elks
Graham Hadley
Professor Stephen Wilks