The Dutch competition authority NMa expects to deal with a further increase in mergers and acquisitions this year, particularly in the healthcare sector.

MPs have already asked the NMa to pay close attention to developments among healthcare providers, given earlier plans to open the sector up to more competition.
However, the NMa pointed out it was difficult to finalise its plans because of uncertainty over new government policy. Two of the three parties involved in cabinet formation negotiations are opposed to introducing market forces into healthcare.