The Dutch Competition Authority consults four external research firms to define the geographical market in a second phase hospital merger (Ziekenhuis Hilversum/Ziekenhuis Gooi-Noord)

Introduction Geographical market definition is central in this decision of the Dutch Competition Authority ("NMa"). In both the first phase and the second phase procedure the essential question is whether the relevant geographical market is limited to "Het Gooi", a region in North Holland. Interestingly, the NMa uses four external research firms to determine whether the geographical market is limited to "Het Gooi". After three firms conducted elaborate econometric studies the NMa decided that there was 'insufficient ground' to limit the relevant market to "Het Gooi". The first reason being that the different tests provided a changeable picture of the market and second because the market is 'in transition'. The tests provide a changeable