The Dutch consumers’ authority ACM has banned two healthcare groups from merging because they are currently important competitors.

The Albert Schweitzer hospital and Rivas Zorggroep healthcare group had planned to join forces to offer a wide range of services in the Dordrecht and Gorinchem areas.

However, the ACM says the merger will disadvantage patients by leading to higher prices, lower standards and less innovation. In addition, health insurance companies will have fewer partners to choose from.

The hospitals say they are surprised and disappointed by the ACM’s decision and are now looking at what steps to take next.