Tex. medical center merger could violate antitrust laws

A proposed merger which would unite two or more Houston hospitals, creating a massive new healthcare provider, could violate federal antitrust laws. Word of the proposed merger came earlier this week. St.Luke's Episcopal is considering an offer from Memorial Hermann and a competing offer from Texas Children's and Methodist Hospital. University of Houston Law Professor Darren Bush, formerly with the Justice Department's antitrust division, told the Houston Chronicle that either deal "raises questions about the possible impact on consumers." Bush notes, however, that the Justice Department has adopted a hands-off approach towards the industry in recent years.

- see this story from the Houston Chronicle

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