Competition and Markets Authority reviews care home acquisitions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is continuing to deliver on its promise to take action within consumer facing markets, in particular identifying markets where there is a need to improve consumer trust and confidence and targeting areas of consumer vulnerability.

This is evidenced by its current investigation into the acquisition by Welltower Inc. of over 600 care homes from Barchester, HC-One, Aria Care and Danforth Care. In total, these acquisitions include over 600 operational care homes and a number of additional care homes for which planning permission has already been granted.

The CMA opened its investigation on 19^th January 2026 and is currently inviting comments from interested parties on the impact that any or all of the transactions could have on competition in the UK. The CMA has not yet launched a formal investigation, and this initial stage is part of its information gathering process.

The next stage will be for the CMA to launch the Phase 1 Merger Investigation, where it will consider whether there is a realistic prospect of a substantial lessening of competition. This will commence the statutory timelines for the investigation and Phase 1 will typically last up to 40 working days before a decision is taken on next steps.

This investigation demonstrates the CMA’s continued expanding presence and its commitment to exercising its merger control powers in accordance with its “4Ps” framework of:

• Pace: making good decisions as quickly as possible
• Predictability: providing clarity on its approach and expected outcomes
• Proportionality: ensuring its actions are balanced and targeted
• Process: transforming its engagement with key stakeholders across its functions

Please get in touch with a member of our Competition or Healthcare teams for further information or advice.

*This information is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute, nor should be regarded as, a substitute for taking legal advice that is tailored to your circumstances.