The Monopolies Commission is opposed to the granting of ministerial authorisation. The sale of the district hospitals in Rhön-Grabfeld to Rhön-Klinikum AG is not necessary to achieve the public interest objectives put forward by the parties. It is therefore not necessary to weigh up the competitive disadvantages arising from the takeover against any potential benefits to the public interest. The merger is not necessary to relieve the district’s budget or to reduce hospital costs. There are other private hospital operators who are also interested in acquiring the district hospitals. A sale to an alternative bidder would allow the public interest benefits put forward to be realised without any risk of restrictions on competition.