European Union regulators have begun an in-depth probe into Zimmer's planned acquisition of Biomet, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
According to the EU, the acquisition could result in less innovation and higher prices. The EU's central antitrust authority stated that the deal could lower competition in the orthopedic implant market substantially.
The proposed $13.35 billion acquisition, which has yet to be approved by U.S. regulators, will make the combined company one of the largest orthopedic device manufacturers in the world. The deal is expected to go through in the first quarter of 2015.
The EU commission will examine various factors surrounding the deal, including how closely the merging companies compete with one another and barriers to entry in the markets. It could decide to block the deal or impose conditions. The EU will make a decision by Feb. 16, according to the report.
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