WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized a consent order with Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe (Welsh Carson) and its affiliates, bringing resolution to antitrust allegations tied to their portfolio company, U.S. Anesthesia Partners (USAP). The agency accused Welsh Carson of engaging in anticompetitive practices that allegedly inflated prices for anesthesiology services in Texas.
The finalized consent order requires Welsh Carson to curtail its involvement with USAP and mandates that it notify the FTC of certain future acquisitions and investments in anesthesia or other hospital-based physician services. This measure aims to prevent further consolidation in the industry that could harm competition.
The order resolves FTC charges alleging that Welsh Carson and USAP engaged in a “roll-up” strategy by systematically acquiring almost all major anesthesia practices in Texas, creating a dominant market player. According to the FTC, this approach stifled competition and led to increased costs for healthcare services.
Welsh Carson was dropped from the FTC’s federal case in May 2024, but the lawsuit against USAP remains active. The allegations against USAP continue as part of broader efforts by the FTC to address competitive harms in the healthcare sector.
The Commission approved the final consent order with a unanimous 3-0 vote following a period for public comment. Legal proceedings against USAP are ongoing, and the FTC remains focused on promoting competition in critical healthcare services.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.