CADE signs agreement with Bahia’s medical services sector

On 3 September, the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) signed 3 cease and desist agreements with cooperative of surgical oncologists (Cooperonco), cooperative of cardiothoracic surgeons (Cardiotórax), and cooperative of head and neck surgeons, from the Brazilian state of Bahia. The entities are investigated in a case related to alleged anticompetitive practices in Bahia’s market of medical services. 

The investigation was launched in 2019, after a complaint from the Central Nacional Unimed (CNU) to the Prosecution Services of Bahia, which was submitted to CADE. The medical cooperatives are accused of alleged coordinated conducts including price-fixing, boycott of health insurance companies, and restrictions to individual negotiation with doctors. 

In February 2025, the case was assigned to Gustavo Augusto, president of CADE and rapporteur of the case, who established a time limit for conciliation and negotiation of cease and desist agreements. In March, the 3 cooperatives expressed interest in signing the agreements. 

As per the agreement, the entities recognised their participation in the investigated conducts and committed to cease all anticompetitive practices such as price-fixing, exclusion of professionals, and boycotts. In addition, they must implement competition compliance programmes with periodic training, best practices manual, and a reporting channel. The companies are to pay over BRL 3 million in financial contributions for the Fund for de Facto Joint Rights (FDD).  

President Gustavo Augusto highlighted that the signature of the agreement strengthens the authority’s commitment to promote free competition and consensual agreements in benefit of the public interest. 

Moreover, the eventual non-compliance may entail the reopening of the case and imposition of additional fines.