For Release
Statement of FTC Office of Public Affairs Director Lindsay Kryzak on District Court’s Decision to Grant Preliminary Injunction Halting New Jersey Hospital Merger
Following the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey’s decision to grant a preliminary injunction against Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc.’s proposed acquisition of Englewood Healthcare Foundation, FTC Office of Public Affairs Director Lindsay Kryzak made this statement:
“Too many hospital mergers lead to jacked up prices and diminished care for patients most in need. It remains a mystery why these two hospital systems decided to pursue a highly suspicious merger in the middle of a global pandemic. The Court has hit pause on this merger, which the FTC alleges is unlawful. Hospital executives hatching merger plans should take note.”
In December 2020, the FTC filed an administrative complaint, charging that the merger would eliminate close competition between Hackensack Meridian and Englewood, and that the merged healthcare system would control three of the six inpatient general acute care hospitals in Bergen County, New Jersey. The administrative trial is scheduled to begin on Oct.12, 2021.
The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. You can learn more about how competition benefits consumers or file an antitrust complaint. For the latest news and resources, follow the FTC on social media, subscribe to press releases and read our blog.