Spire Healthcare Group plc

In July 2020, the UK Competition and Markets Authority found that Spire Healthcare Limited, its parent Spire Healthcare Group plc and seven consultant ophthalmologists infringed competition law by participating in illegal price fixing. The arrangement concerned initial consultation fees for self-pay patients at a Spire hospital in northern England. The CMA found that the parties agreed to set the consultation fee at £200, eliminating price competition between consultants. The arrangement operated from at least 29 August 2017 until 3 July 2019. Spire admitted its role and received a 20% settlement discount. The CMA imposed a £1.2 million penalty on Spire, while six consultants also received smaller fines. Sources: Competition and Markets Authority https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-imposes-12m-in-fines-for-price-fixing-in-private-eyecare CMA case page https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/privately-funded-healthcare-services