The outside signal seen on the DaVita Dialysis clinic in Denver February 16, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking
April 15 (Reuters) – A jury in Denver, Colorado, acquitted dialysis supplier DaVita (DVA.N) and its former CEO Kent Thiry on Friday of costs that they conspired with rivals to not rent one another’s workers.
The Justice Division had alleged within the case that each DaVita and Surgical Care Associates LLC required senior-level workers who sought to work for them to inform their present employers that they had been job-hunting. learn extra
“The jury affirmed that this case ought to by no means have been introduced,” Thiry mentioned in an announcement. “I wish to thank the group that supplied a lot help via this tough time.”
In an announcement, DaVita mentioned: “(We) are grateful to place this matter behind us. We stay dedicated to working with integrity and upholding the best requirements of legislation.”
Whereas enforcers have historically centered on costs and innovation in implementing antitrust legislation, the Biden administration has shifted its emphasis considerably to place extra concentrate on unlawful agreements that may push down wages.
Friday’s resolution comes after DaVita and Thiry had an alleged anti-poaching settlement with Surgical Care Associates LLC, now a part of UnitedHealthcare (UNH.N), from 2012 to 2017 that sought to forestall every firm from wooing away senior-level workers, the Justice Division mentioned final 12 months.
SCA was charged in early 2021. Trial has been set for early subsequent 12 months.
The division additionally alleged that DaVita struck agreements with two different firms, Hazel Well being Inc and Radiology Companions, to not rent DaVita workers.
The jury acquitted the corporate and its former CEO on all three counts, a spokeswoman for Thiry mentioned.
Wyn Hornbuckle, a spokesperson for the U.S. Justice Division, mentioned in an announcement that he was upset within the end result, however respects the jury’s resolution and stays dedicated to implementing the antitrust legal guidelines within the labor markets.
Reporting by Diane Bartz, Mike Scarcella and Katanga Johnson; Further reporting by Costas Pitas; Modifying by Lisa Shumaker and Edmund Klamann
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