Healthscope Limited - s.87B undertaking

On 25 October the ACCC accepted a section 87B undertaking from Healthscope Limited (Healthscope) that replaced Healthscope's initial undertaking given to the ACCC on 15 August 2007.

The replacement undertaking was given to the ACCC because Healthscope revised its proposal to acquire Symbion Health Limited’s (Symbion’s) pathology, diagnostic imaging and medical centres businesses (revised proposal).

The implementation of the revised proposal essentially replicates the outcome of Healthscope's original proposal to acquire Symbion's pathology, medical centre and imaging businesses through an alternative structure. The divestments required of Healthscope did not materially change.

The ACCC concluded that no new competition issues arose from the revised proposal that were not considered under the original proposal. Accordingly, the ACCC was satisfied that the replacement undertaking, including its divestments, addressed its competition concerns.