Acquisition of Bedfordshire and Luton Partnership NHS Trust

Four bidders have been shortlisted by the East of England SHA as potential acquirers of Bedfordshire and Luton Partnership NHS Trust (BLPT):

• i. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust which proposes to work in partnership with South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation trust
• ii. Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust in a strategic alliance with the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust
• iii. Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
• iv. South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

The CCP is examining the proposed acquisition of BLPT by each of these four bidders under the merger provisions of the Principles and Rules of Cooperation and Competition to assess whether each bid has an adverse effect on patients or taxpayers.

The CCP will assess the extent to which the acquisition of BLPT by any of the four shortlisted bidders may limit competition for mental health services contracts in Bedfordshire and Luton or a wider area. The CCP will also assess any benefits to patients or taxpayers that may arise from this acquisition.

The CCP would welcome submissions from interested individuals and organisations on this issue or on any other matter relevant to the CCP's assessment of this transaction under the Principles and Rules of Cooperation and Competition.

The closing date for submissions is 24 July 2009.