CADE issues preventive measure against Unimed Blumenau

After issuing a preventive measure, the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) determined that Unimed Blumenau must maintain the accreditation of healthcare providers and reinstate contracts terminated after the acquisition of Hospital Santa Catarina, since the transaction was unreported.

The decision results from an investigation launched in October 2024 by the Office of the Superintendent General at CADE (SG) to ascertain an alleged case of gun jumping.

In June 2025, the Tribunal of CADE assigned the administrative proceeding to Commissioner Victor Oliveira Fernandes. As the rapporteur of the case, he suggested implementing a preventive measure to preserve the competitive environment during the transaction, based on the preliminary analysis and absence of the mandatory pre-merger notification.

The decision establishes the maintenance of contracts with clinics, hospitals, and local labs, in addition to restoring the accreditations revoked after the transaction, unless there is legitimate commercial justification, until the Tribunal reviews the administrative procedure.

The decision imposes the disclosure of the preventive measures to the beneficiaries. A daily fine of BRL 50 thousand is to be applied in case of non-compliance.

CADE launched the investigation after receiving a complaint via the Clique Denúncia platform on the acquisition of the Hospital Santa Catarina by Unimed Blumenau, and the Comunidade Evangélica de Blumenau as the seller.

Access Case no.08700.003421/2024-92