Henry Schein deal cleared by UK regulators

British regulators Tuesday cleared Henry Schein Inc.'s U.K. unit to complete the acquisition of a dental supply distribution business.

The British Competition & Markets Authority had issued an enforcement order on Jan. 16, freezing the planned integration of Henry Schein UK Holdings Ltd. with assets of Plandent Ltd., a wholesaler of dental supplies. The order also barred action to transfer ownership and impair the businesses' ability to compete independently.

Two months later, however, the regulatory agency revoked its order based on the evidence it had collected, though it continued its investigation and reserved the right to make a final determination.

Melville-based Henry Schein Inc., a distributor of dental, medical and animal health products and Long Island's largest company by revenue, actively uses mergers and acquisitions as a tool to push into new markets around the world.

Henry Schein UK acquired Plandent's consumables business in late December from Planmeca Oy, based in Helsinki. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Shares of Henry Schein gained 30 cents to $139.97 Tuesday.

By Ken Schachter

kenneth.schachter@newsday.comkschach

Ken Schachter covers corporate news, including technology and aerospace, and other business topics for Newsday. He has also worked at The Miami Herald and The Jerusalem Post.