Mergers of NHS Rotherham's provider services arm and (i) Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust; and (ii) Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

NHS Rotherham's provider services arm (Rotherham Provider Services) is proposing to merge with (i) Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust; and (ii) Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

The CCP has carried out a preliminary assessment using the screens set out in its fast-track guidelines. This assessment indicates that the transaction is likely to be consistent with Principle 10 of the Principles and Rules for Cooperation and Competition. Our Notice of Acceptance (available below) provides more detail on the screening tests that we consider are satisfied at this stage of our review.

The CCP will now finalise its assessment on the consistency of the transaction with Principle 10 of the Principles and Rules for Cooperation and Competition and will produce a short-form report. If analysis or submissions from interested individuals or organisations indicate that the mergers are not suitable for the fast-track procedure then a Phase I review will be initiated.

The CCP welcomes submissions in writing from interested individuals and organisations on whether these mergers are appropriate for its fast-track procedure or any other issue or matter relevant to the CCP's assessment of this transaction under Principle 10 of the Principles and Rules for Cooperation and Competition. To submit evidence, please reply to the email address: cases@ccpanel.gsi.gov.uk.

The closing date for submissions is 15 December 2010.