LabCorp Can Complete Purchase of Westcliff, Judge Rules

Laboratory Corp. of America can complete the purchase of rival clinical-testing company Westcliff Medical Laboratories Inc., a U.S. judge ruled, rejecting a challenge by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

U.S. District Judge Andrew J. Guilford in Santa Ana, California, yesterday denied the FTC’s request for a preliminary injunction. The agency argued in court papers that the transaction would harm competition in Southern California.