Investigations are underway into potential anti-competitive practices involving Masterlab, a company specializing in medical and analytical laboratory equipment and consumables. The Competition Authority initiated unannounced inspections at Masterlab’s facilities on , seizing documents as part of a broader inquiry into the sector.
Masterlab, which provides diagnostic instruments, reagents, and automated systems for biological, clinical, and hospital laboratories, has been under scrutiny previously. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company secured a contract with the Ministry of Health valued at 211.8 million dirhams, a transaction that initially raised questions.
The current investigation centers on suspicions of anti-competitive practices and a possible concentration of the market for laboratory equipment and reagents. This concern is heightened by Masterlab’s alliance with its American supplier, Abbott, and the contracts secured with the Ministry of Health during the pandemic. Allegations suggest that the specifications for public contracts may have been designed to favor certain equipment, potentially excluding competitors and ensuring substantial financial margins for favored vendors.
This situation raises the possibility that Masterlab’s market position isn’t solely based on technical or commercial merit, but also on a network of relationships involving both private companies and public officials. The company’s dominance in the PCR testing market during the pandemic is particularly noteworthy. A study by the Competition Council revealed that Masterlab’s market share of PCR tests increased significantly, from 25% in 2020 to 39% in 2021.
The broader context of antitrust enforcement is evolving. Recent developments, as highlighted by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), demonstrate increased scrutiny of non-compete agreements and their impact on labor markets and competition. While this specific case doesn’t directly involve non-compete clauses, it reflects a growing trend toward rigorous enforcement of antitrust laws to prevent market manipulation and protect fair competition.
The FTC’s initial attempt to broadly ban non-compete agreements faced legal challenges, with courts questioning the agency’s authority to issue such a sweeping rule. The Commission subsequently withdrew the rule in September 2025, signaling a shift towards more targeted enforcement actions. This illustrates the complexities of antitrust regulation and the importance of establishing a clear legal basis for enforcement efforts.
Antitrust laws, generally, prohibit agreements between firms that are anticompetitive and mergers or acquisitions that substantially lessen competition. The ongoing investigation into Masterlab appears to be examining whether the company engaged in practices that fall under these prohibitions. The Capitol Forum, an organization conducting an ongoing investigation into PriceLabs and Key Data, has also highlighted the potential for antitrust concerns related to the use of non-public competitive data in pricing algorithms and the role of data aggregation in facilitating indirect coordination among competitors. While distinct from the Masterlab case, this parallel investigation underscores the increasing attention being paid to data-driven competition and the potential for algorithmic pricing to raise antitrust issues.
The U.S. Department of Justice has also been actively involved in antitrust case filings, demonstrating a commitment to enforcing competition laws across various industries. The investigations and enforcement actions by both the FTC and the Department of Justice signal a heightened level of vigilance regarding anticompetitive behavior.
Masterlab has stated that the file is currently under examination by an independent constitutional institution and has declined to provide further comment at this stage. The Competition Authority has not disclosed the identities of other companies targeted in the February 17th inspections. The outcome of the investigation remains uncertain, but it has the potential to significantly impact the market for laboratory equipment and reagents and to set a precedent for antitrust enforcement in the healthcare sector.
The focus on potential anti-competitive practices in the healthcare industry is crucial. Ensuring fair competition is essential for maintaining affordable access to quality medical services and promoting innovation in diagnostic technologies. The investigation into Masterlab, alongside broader trends in antitrust enforcement, reflects a growing recognition of the importance of protecting competition in this vital sector.
