The Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA) has determined that the acquisition by the non-entrepreneurial (non-commercial) legal entity “New Vision University” of a 40% equity interest in LLC “New Vision University Hospital - Mtskheta” is compatible with the competitive environment.
In relation to this transaction, the GCCA previously imposed a fine on the relevant undertaking in the fourth quarter of last year for implementing the concentration without prior mandatory notification to the Agency, as required under Georgian competition legislation. The party concerned was subsequently instructed to submit a formal notification of the concentration for assessment.
New Vision University operates in the higher education sector, while LLC “New Vision University Hospital - Mtskheta” is active in the provision of healthcare services.
At the initial stage of the assessment, the Agency examined the potential impact of the concentration on healthcare markets in Georgia, covering both inpatient and outpatient services. The analysis considered revenues generated within and outside the framework of the State Universal Healthcare Programme. The assessment was based on data for 2024 as well as results covering the first nine months of 2025.
According to available data for the first nine months of the previous year, both outpatient and inpatient healthcare markets (including services provided both within and outside the State Universal Healthcare Programme) were characterised by low levels of market concentration and a competitive structure. In the outpatient services segment (excluding revenues generated under the State programme), total market turnover amounted to GEL 479 346 717, with 141 undertakings active in the market. With regard to inpatient services (excluding revenues under the State programme), the market volume totalled GEL 399 754 314, with 151 undertakings operating in the sector.
The Agency’s analysis indicates that the healthcare services market in Georgia remains low-concentrated. The combined market shares of the parties involved in the concentration, as well as those of their affiliated entities, are limited, and the resulting increase in the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI) is negligible. Given that the acquiring entity is active in the higher education sector, the Agency also assessed market concentration in this field. The calculated concentration index for the higher education market amounted to 599.72 points, confirming that this market is likewise characterised by low concentration levels in Georgia.
Based on the comprehensive assessment of the available data, the GCCA concluded that the notified concentration is unlikely to have a significant impact on market competition and is therefore compatible with the competitive environment.
In accordance with Georgian legislation, concentration is subject to notification to the Agency if the aggregate (total) joint income of its participants on the territory of Georgia, exceeds 20 million GEL and the joint income of at least two persons participating in the concentration exceeds 5 million GEL for the previous financial year. In case of bypassing the Competition Agency subject to the mandatory notification, before the Agency reviews the notification or despite the negative conclusion, the person with the obligation to submit the notification shall be fined.
In 2025, the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency approved a total of 18 concentrations.
