Stampa

I729 - Invitation to tender for magnetic resonance equipment (investigation launched)


PRESS RELEASE


PRESS RELEASE



HEALTHCARE: ANTITRUST AUTHORITY LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, PHILIPS, SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS AND ALLIANCE MEDICAL FOR POSSIBLE AGREEMENT RESTRICTING COMPETITION

Proceedings to determine whether the four companies conspired to reduce the competitive nature of their response to Soresa's (Società Regionale per la Sanità – Regional Healthcare Company) contract notice for the provision of magnetic resonance equipment

On February 04th, 2010, the Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato decided to launch an investigation to determine whether Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Philips, Toshiba Medical Systems and Alliance Medical conspired to reduce the competitive nature of their response to Soresa's (Società Regionale per la Sanità – Regional Healthcare Company) contract notice for the provision of magnetic resonance equipment.
The initial complaint alleges that the four companies colluded to determine how they would participate in the bidding process, biasing their chances to participate and win the related supply contract.
The Soresa company of Campania published the contract notice in June last year. The companies were served notice of the proceeding today during the course of joint inspections with Special Units of the Guardia di Finanza (Italian Tax Police).

Rome - February 11th, 2010