The competition watchdog has approved an acquisition involving two producers of dental products and equipment, subject to conditions.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said that it had cleared Phey Topco’s purchase of Dental Medical Ireland, subject to legally binding commitments that involve the sale of Phey Topco’s subsidiary BF Mulholland.

Dental Medical Ireland supplies dental products and equipment to dental professionals in Ireland, with some sales in Britain.

Phey Topco controls DD Group, which – through BF Mulholland – is a supplier of dental products and equipment. DD Group also supplies products to beauticians and aesthetic clinics through BF Mulholland.

Concerns

The proposed deal was notified to the CCPC in December 2023.

During the investigation, the watchdog had concerns about how the deal could affect levels of competition between companies that supply dental products, such as cotton-wool rolls and paper towels, and dental equipment.

As well as its sale of BF Mulholland. Phey Topco also agreed not to do anything that could negatively affect BF Mulholland before it was sold, and not to buy BF Mulholland back for a period following its sale.

An independent monitoring trustee will be appointed to make sure that Phey Topco complies with these commitments.