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Competition Authority Requires Notification of OneMed and Kirstine Hardam Merger
OneMed A/S and Kirstine Hardam A/S must obtain approval for their merger, even though it does not meet the ordinary notification thresholds. The Danish Competition and Consumer Authority (DCCA) is exercising its new power to require notification of a merger where there is a risk that it may significantly impede competition.
In June 2025, OneMed acquired Kirstine Hardam. Both companies are wholesalers of medical supplies and supply, among other products, ostomy care products to municipalities.
As an independent competition authority, the DCCA is now requiring notification of the merger, even though the combined turnover of the companies is below the ordinary thresholds set out in the Danish Competition Act and notification would not otherwise be mandatory.
This is a new power granted to the DCCA. It can only be exercised if the Authority finds a risk that the merger will significantly impede competition, particularly where this is due to the creation or strengthening of a company with a dominant position.
After the merger, OneMed and Kirstine Hardam will be the largest player in the market for the sale of ostomy care products and related services to municipalities in Denmark. This is a market already characterised by a small number of players. Together with the other available information, the creation of such a large market player in an already concentrated market is the reason, the DCCA finds there to be a risk that the merger may significantly impede competition.
The DCCA's assessment also builds on its experience from the case concerning Coloplast’s abuse of a dominant position, which was decided in January 2025. That case also concerned the market for the sale of ostomy care products and related services to municipalities.
The requirement for merger notification means that the parties may not implement the merger until it has been approved by the Competition Council or the DCCA. Once notified, the Authority will assess the competitive effects in the same way as for mergers subject to mandatory notification. The investigation will determine whether the merger raises competition concerns requiring intervention. If the DCCA finds that the merger does not significantly impede effective competition, it may be approved without conditions.
For further information
Contact Head of Communications at the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority, Hanne Arentoft, at +45 41 71 50 98