Amazon Closes $3.9 Billion Buyout of Health Company One Medical

NEW YORK—Amazon Wednesday’s announcement by One Medical that it had closed the $3.9 billion acquisition, One Medical.

According to the e-commerce giant, the buyout was announced in July. It is part of its expanding health care business that includes Amazon Pharmacy, a patient-to-doctor messaging service, and Amazon Clinic.

One Medical, which is owned by 1Life Healthcare Inc. of San Francisco, has around 815,000 members. medical There are offices in over 20 countries. Its membership-based service provides virtual care and in-person visits.

Wednesday’s announcement by the two companies indicated that membership will be offered to U.S. customers starting in January for $144. This is a 28 percent discount to attract new customers.

Anti-monopoly groups are calling for the Federal Trade Commission’s blockade of Amazon’s purchase. They argue that it would compromise patient privacy and increase Amazon’s dominance on the market.

Amazon and One Medical received requests from the FTC last September for more information in relation to a review of the merger. Peter Kaplan, spokesperson for the FTC, said that the agency will not bring a lawsuit in order to stop the merger. However, it isn’t ruling out future challenges.

“The FTC’s investigation of Amazon’s acquisition of One Medical continues,” Kaplan made the statement in a statement. “The commission will continue to look at possible harms to competition created by this merger as well as possible harms to consumers that may result from Amazon’s control and use of sensitive consumer health information held by One Medical.”

One Medical was the first acquisition by Andy Jassy (Amazon CEO), who succeeded founder Jeff Bezos in 2021. He sees health care growth as a potential opportunity for the company.

“Customers want and deserve better, and that’s what One Medical has been working and innovating on for more than a decade. Together, we believe we can make the health care experience easier, faster, more personal, and more convenient for everyone,” Jassy made the statement.

Amazon’s planned $1.65 billion purchase of iRobot is being reviewed by the FTC. This acquisition was made public last August.

By Haleluya Hadero

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