Hospital market power, not technologies or regulation, is behind escalating prices, says benefits expert Joseph Jenkins, M.D.

Hospital market power, not regulation or new medical technologies is behind escalating prices, says benefits expert Joseph Jenkins, M.D.

Part of a global consolidation trend, these mergers are aimed at growing revenue and increasing customers.

Low interest rates and new capital from private equity firms are driving demand, as baby boomer owners look to sell.

Low interest rates and new capital from private equity firms are driving demand, as baby boomer owners look to sell.

These are busy times at the Marsh & McLennan Agency. Last month, MMA announced that it had acquired Strategic Benefit Solutions, a $4 million benefits brokerage and consulting firm based in Alpharetta, Ga., and RJF Agencies, one of the largest independent agencies in the upper Midwest. Those steps followed closely on the heels of MMA's acquisition of Pennsylvania-based Trion Group in December 2010.