On Friday, Oct. 3, the European Union antitrust regulators opened an investigation into the $13.4 billion bid from Zimmer for Biomet. According to Reuters, the investigation will increase pressure on Zimmer to offer concession to alleviate their concerns.

Should the deal be cleared by the EU competition authority, which will be decided upon by Feb. 16, 2015, Zimmer would become the second-largest seller of orthopaedic products in the world behind Johnson & Johnson notes Reuters. The deal would also reinforce Zimmer’s presence in the what Reuters reports to be the “fast growing” sports medicine sector.

Reuters reported the European commission noted the deal could potentially lead to more expensive orthopaedic products and less innovation and options for consumers by lessening competition in the markets for hip, knee, elbow and shoulder implants as well as for products such as bone cement, surgical tools and bone cementaccessories.

Source: Reuters