CMA discovers competition problems in Doncaster, Yorkshire, and Alfreton, Derbyshire


The successful acquisition of Dental Partners Group Limited (Dental Partners) by Riviera Bidco Limited (Riviera), owner of current dental practise operator Rodericks Dental Limited, was the subject of a Phase 1 inquiry by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) (Rodericks).

The inquiry examined how the merger would affect the regions where both companies already provide NHS or private dental care. The CMA determined that the merger will create competition issues in the delivery of general NHS dental procedures, such as check-ups and fillings, in regions of Doncaster and Alfreton, even though adequate competition would continue to exist after the merger in the majority of instances.

There may be fewer options for people in these two regions, where the number of NHS dental appointments is already constrained, if Dental Partners is eliminated as an independent rival.

Prior to the investigation’s completion, the firms acknowledged that the merger would cause issues in these 2 areas and requested that the CMA skip the consideration of possible solutions to these issues.

Riviera now has five business days to officially submit suggestions to the CMA in order to resolve the noted concerns about competition. The matter would then be sent to a Phase 2 inquiry after the CMA had a further five working days to decide whether to accept these in principle.

CMA Senior Director of Mergers Sorcha O’Carroll stated:

“Residents in parts of Doncaster and Alfreton rely on accessing quality NHS dental treatment when it is needed – we’re looking at this deal to ensure this can continue.”

“It’s now for the businesses involved to address our concerns, to prevent a loss of competition in these areas and resolve any need for further investigation.”


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