FTC Challenges Private Equity Firm’s Scheme to Suppress Competition in Anesthesiology Practices Across Texas

Summary:

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sued U.S. Anesthesia Partners, Inc. (USAP) and private equity firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, alleging they engaged in an anticompetitive scheme to consolidate anesthesiology practices in Texas and drive up prices for anesthesia services. The FTC claims that USAP and Welsh Carson executed a three-part strategy to acquire nearly every large anesthesia practice in Texas, establish price-setting agreements with remaining independent practices, and sideline a competitor. The alleged conduct resulted in higher prices for anesthesia services, costing Texans tens of millions of dollars more each year. The FTC is seeking equitable relief to remedy the impact and prevent the recurrence of such conduct.