The US FTC seeks to block a merger between two local hospitals which would give the combined entity a local market share of over 50% in some services (RWJ Barnabas Health / Saint Peter’s Healthcare System)

FTC Sues to Block Merger Between New Jersey Healthcare Rivals RWJBarnabas Health and Saint Peter’s Healthcare System* Agency Alleges that Deal Would Increase Prices and Reduce Quality of Care for Patients by Eliminating Head-to-Head Competition The Federal Trade Commission authorized an administrative complaint and a suit in federal court to block the acquisition of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System by RWJBarnabas Health, or RWJ, which is one of the largest hospital systems in New Jersey. The complaint alleges that in Middlesex County, in the central part of the state, the acquisition will harm competition for inpatient