- The FTC filed a lawsuit against U.S. Anesthesia Partners, Inc. (USAP), and private equity company Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe XI, L.P. and affiliated entities (collectively, Welsh Carson), alleging that they violated the Clayton Act and the FTC Act by engaging in an anticompetitive scheme to monopolize the anesthesiology market in Texas.
- In the complaint, the FTC alleges that USAP and Welsh Carson engaged in a “roll-up,” acquiring anesthesia practices across Texas to eliminate competition and drive up prices for anesthesia. USAP also allegedly sought to further increase prices by entering or maintaining price-setting arrangements and by forming a market allocation arrangement with another large anesthesia services provider.
- The FTC seeks injunctive, declaratory, and equitable relief, among other relief.