Primary Health Properties gets competition green light for Assura acquisition

PRIMARY Health Properties (PHP) has confirmed that UK authorities have raised no competition concerns regarding its proposed £1.7 billion (R22.61 billion) acquisition of Assura plc.

- EDWARD WEST

PRIMARY Health Properties (PHP) says its acquisition of rival Assura Plc will create a 6 billion healthcare REIT owning, managing and investing in critical social infrastructure assets in a sector well placed to deliver growth.

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The London and JSE-listed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) said on Wednesday that, following this decision, the requirement by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to keep PHP and Assura financially and operationally separate, is expected to conclude shortly.

PHP first announced its firm intention to acquire Assura on May 16, 2025. Assura develops, invests in, and manages healthcare facilities across the UK, while PHP focuses on purpose-built properties for healthcare practitioners and other primary care providers-primarily NHS-backed tenants.