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Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order restoring competition for adult cardiology services in Reno, Nevada. Under the order, Renown Health, the largest provider of acute care hospital services in northern Nevada, released its cardiologist employees from “non-compete” contract clauses, allowing up to 10 of them to join competing cardiology practices in the Reno area. The order settled FTC charges that Renown’s recent acquisition of two local cardiology groups reduced competition for adult cardiology services in the Reno area.

The Commission vote approving the final order and letters to members of the public who commented on it was 5-0. (FTC File No. 111-0101; the staff contact is Erika Wodinsky, FTC Western Region, San Francisco, 415-848-5100; see press release dated August 6, 2012.)

The FTC’s Bureau of Competition works with the Bureau of Economics to investigate alleged anticompetitive business practices and, when appropriate, recommends that the Commission take law enforcement action. To inform the Bureau about particular business practices, call 202-326-3300, send an e-mail to antitrust{at}ftc{dot}gov, or write to the Office of Policy and Coordination, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission, 601 New Jersey Ave., Room 7117, Washington, DC 20001. To learn more about the Bureau of Competition, read Competition Counts. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.