The Austrian Federal Competition Authority has initiated a review of the acquisition by Edwards Lifesciences Corp. of JenaValve Technology, with Edwards intending to acquire all shares and sole control of JenaValve. JenaValve specializes in a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement product for treating aortic valve insufficiency, while Edwards focuses on a similar product for aortic stenosis treatment.

Concerns have been raised regarding the potential strengthening of Edwards' market position in the production and distribution of aortic valve replacement products, as well as the loss of potential competition due to the merger potentially consolidating the only approved TAVR-AR valves globally. The presence of high barriers to entry, such as intellectual property rights, could further hinder the entry of new competitors into the European and Austrian markets, leading to a reduction in horizontal competition intensity.

Given these competitive concerns, the Austrian Federal Competition Authority deemed it necessary for the Competition Court to conduct a detailed examination of the merger. The Federal Cartel Prosecutor has also submitted a review request, reflecting the significance of the potential impact on competition in the market for aortic valve replacement products.