Japan probes Biomet-Zimmer merger (MassDevice)
Your Dashboard for the Zimmer-Biomet Merger
Japanese regulators are the latest to probe the pending merger of Biomet and Zimmer to make sure it meets anti-trust muster.
Japanese anti-trust regulators are the latest to scrutinize the pending merger of Zimmer (NYSE:ZMH) and Biomet, joining agencies in the U.S. and Europe that are already looking at the deal.
The Japan Fair Trade Commission said Sept. 3 that it’s opening an investigation into the $13.35 billion mega-deal between the orthopedic device giants, 1st announced in April.
“With the knowledge that a more in-depth review is necessary, today, the JFTC requested Zimmer, etc. to submit further reports, information or materials,” the Japanese agency said in a press release. “The JFTC also starts seeking comments from 3rd parties concerning possible impacts on competition that would arise through the proposed integration.”
The Japanese watchdog said the investigation does not mean that the deal “would pose any concerns” regarding Japan’s anti-monopoly laws. The JFTC has 30 days from the date of the notice to consider the merger, and will then either grant its blessing or authorize a more in-depth, 6-month review, according to the release.