The Australian Competition Authority raises preliminary competition concerns in relation to the merger between two hearing implant providers (Cochlear / Oticon)

Cochlear's proposed acquisition of Oticon Medical raises preliminary competition concerns* The ACCC has outlined significant preliminary competition concerns with Cochlear’s (ASX:COH) proposed acquisition of Oticon Medical in a statement of issues published today. Cochlear is proposing to acquire shares in and certain assets of Demant’s hearing implants business, Oticon Medical. Cochlear and Oticon Medical manufacture and supply non-surgical bone conduction devices, surgical bone anchored devices, and cochlear implant hearing devices. These devices are used to treat more advanced hearing loss that typically cannot be managed by hearing aids. There are few suppliers of these devices globally. In Australia, Cochlear and Oticon Medical are two of only three suppliers of