The Autorité de la concurrence clears the acquisition of Oriade-Noviale by Biogroup, subject to the divestiture of eight medical analysis sites (Isère, Rhône and Haute-Savoie)

Parties to the transaction

Biogroup is active in the chemical pathology sector, with laboratories spread over more than 700 sites throughout France.

Oriade-Noviale is also active in the chemical pathology sector. It operates laboratories on 55 sites located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and Bourgogne Franche-Comté.

The markets examined

The parties are competitors in the chemical pathology markets. Biogroup and Oriade-Noviale own medical analysis laboratories whose activity consists of providing "routine" chemical pathology examinations (which are examinations commonly prescribed and performed by all laboratories, such as biochemistry or haematology examinations) and specialised examinations requiring specific medical or scientific skills and specific approvals (such as genetic examinations).

They are also competitors, as purchasers, in the market for the supply of biological equipment, reagents and consumables.

Biogroup is to divest eight medical analysis sites in response to competition problems identified in the départements of Isère, Rhône and Haute-Savoie

While the transaction does not raise competition concerns on the upstream markets for supplies from suppliers and for specialised chemical pathology tests, the Autorité considered that there was a serious risk of harming competition on the market for "routine" chemical pathology tests in the départements of Isère, Rhône and Haute-Savoie.

In these départements, the strengthening of the new entity's position on the market in question is not offset by a credible and sufficient alternative offer from competing operators.

To maintain competitive intensity in these départements, the new entity has committed to divest the following eight medical analysis sites:

The divestiture of these eight sites will remove any overlap or addition of market shares between the parties in the départements concerned.

The divestiture of these sites will be carried out under a fix-it-first mechanism, which allows the Autorité to directly approve the buyer of the divested asset as part of the clearance decision. The Eurofins Group will take over the eight sites.

In view of the commitments made by Biogroup, the Autorité has cleared the present transaction.

It is specified that the decision of the Autorité de la concurrence is taken in accordance with the merger regulations provided for in Articles L. 430-1 et seq. of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce). It is not intended to replace any decision by the regional health agencies (ARS), whose merger control in the chemical pathology sector has distinct objectives.