Merger Alert: Outcome of mergers decided by the Tribunal - 21 February 2024
The following Merger Alert is for information purposes only and is not binding on the Competition Tribunal or any member of the Tribunal
| Type of matter | Parties involved | Tribunal Decision |
| Large merger | Life Healthcare Group (Pty) Ltd and the dialysis services business of Fresenius Medical Care South Africa (Pty) Ltd | Approved with conditions |
| Large merger | SPE Mid-Market Fund I Partnership (represented by the general partner, SPE Mid-Market Fund I General Partner (Pty) Ltd) and S Bacher and Company (Pty) Ltd | Approved without conditions |
Life Healthcare Group (Pty) Ltd and the dialysis services business of Fresenius Medical Care South Africa (Pty) Ltd
The Competition Tribunal (“Tribunal”) has approved, subject to conditions, the merger wherein Life Healthcare Group (Pty) Ltd (“Life”) intends to acquire the dialysis services business of Fresenius Medical Care South Africa (Pty) Ltd (“target business”).
The acquiring group (all firms directly and indirectly controlled by Life) provides acute hospital care through a national network of hospitals. Its provision of dialysis services is of relevance to this transaction.
The target business is a dialysis service provider in South Africa, Namibia and eSwatini which operates from hospitals, medical centres and standalone dialysis centres. In South Africa, the target business comprises freestanding units which serve severe chronically ill out-patients and mobile units which provide services to acutely ill in-patients.
A more detailed press release will be issued once any confidential information in the conditions has been finalised.
SPE Mid-Market Fund I Partnership (represented by the general partner, SPE Mid-Market Fund I General Partner (Pty) Ltd) and S Bacher and Company (Pty) Ltd
The Tribunal has unconditionally approved the merger wherein SPE Mid-Market Fund I Partnership (“SPE Fund”) intends to acquire S Bacher and Company (Pty) Ltd (“Bacher”).
The SPE Fund operates as a private equity investment firm. Bacher is a wholesaler and distributor of consumer products primarily comprising watches, fragrances, jewellery and cosmetics from well-known international brands. Bacher recently introduced food and baby brands to its portfolio. Its global brand portfolio includes Guess, Pierre Cardin, Tommy Hilfiger and Hugo Boss. Bacher also owns a number of local watch brands including Revelri, Buren and Tomato watches.
Issued by:
Gillian de Gouveia, Communications Manager
On behalf of the Competition Tribunal of South Africa
Cell: +27 (0) 82 410 1195
E-Mail: GillianD@comptrib.co.za
Twitter: @comptrib
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