CCPC requires commitment from Orpea to acquire six Firstcare nursing homes
July 7, 2021
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has cleared, subject to a binding commitment, the proposed acquisition by Orpea S.A.* (Orpea) of six Firstcare nursing homes. Orpea provides residential and nursing home care in over 22 countries, including Ireland. The commitment relates to any future purchase of nursing homes in Co. Kildare.
The CCPC’s determination follows an extended Phase 1 investigation to establish whether the proposed transaction would result in a substantial lessening of competition for goods or services in the State. The six FirstCare nursing homes are: Firstcare Beneavin House Limited, Firstcare Beneavin Lodge Limited and Firstcare Beneavin Manor Limited, which are all in North Dublin, Firstcare Blainroe Lodge Limited and Firstcare Earlsbrook House Limited, in Co. Wicklow, and Firstcare Mountpleasant Lodge Limited in Co. Kildare.
During the investigation, the CCPC identified potential concerns about competition in the residential care and nursing home services in County Kildare should the proposed acquisition take place. Orpea submitted a proposal to address these concerns which were accepted as a binding commitment by the CCPC. The commitment means Orpea must inform the CCPC if it considers buying any additional nursing homes in County Kildare. If such a transaction does not meet the mandatory notification thresholds, the CCPC can require Orpea to notify the transaction to the CCPC.
The CCPC is of the view that the commitment obtained from Orpea is appropriate and effective in addressing the identified competition concerns. The commitment forms part of the CCPC’s determination to clear the proposed transaction, which makes it legally binding on the parties.
Further details of the CCPC’s announcement can be found here.
Additional Information
* The proposed acquisition is being made by Orpea S.A. through its subsidiary Orpea Care Ireland Limited.
