FTC Calls LabCorp’s Acquistition of Rival Anti-Competitive

The FTC has issued an administrative complaint against Laboratory Corporation of America, saying the company’s acquisition of rival Westcliff Medical Laboratories is anti-competitive and would likely raise prices for lab tests in southern California. With Westcliff absorbed, two lab test companies would control about 89 percent of the market in the region, the agency says. A trial before an FTC administrative law judge is set to begin May 2. The FTC also is filing in federal court to prevent the integration of Westcliff’s assets while the case is being heard by the law judge.