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ARTICLE · 19 OCTOBER 2026

Antitrust Agency Insights: Developments At The U.S. Antitrust Enforcement Agencies — Third Quarter 2026

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A recent FTC action provides a reminder that even when a transaction involves a target in financial duress, parties need to be mindful of antitrust considerations. On September 1, 2026, Adena Health, a hospital system based in south central and southern Ohio, announced its acquisition of Fairfield Medical Center (FMC), a hospital system in southeastern Ohio, following the attempted acquisition of FMC by OhioHealth, a Columbus-based 16-hospital system.

United StatesAntitrust/Competition Law
Matthew Tabas
Matthew Tabas
Andre Geverola
Andre Geverola
Yasmine Harik
Yasmine Harik
Zoe Rachael Staum
Zoe Rachael Staum
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Letter From the Editors

Lessons From a Failing Firm: FTC Approves Struggling Fairfield Medical Center Sale

A recent FTC action provides a reminder that even when a transaction involves a target in financial duress, parties need to be mindful of antitrust considerations. On September 1, 2026, Adena Health, a hospital system based in south central and southern Ohio, announced its acquisition of Fairfield Medical Center (FMC), a hospital system in southeastern Ohio, following the attempted acquisition of FMC by OhioHealth, a Columbus-based 16-hospital system. The FTC pushed back against the OhioHealth deal, scrutinizing the plan for two local competitors to create a combined hospital system even though FMC was in financial distress and potentially a “failing firm.”

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