Amid staunch opposition from the Federal Trade Commission, health care data provider IQVIA has called off its proposed acquisition of a digital media and technology company just days after a federal judge granted the FTC’s motion for a preliminary injunction blocking the deal.
U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos agreed with the FTC last week that the merger with Irvine, California-based Propel Media would likely give IQVIA an improper market lead in programmatic advertising targeting doctors and other health care professionals.

Federal Trade Commission building in Washington, D.C, on January 12, 2022. Photo: Diego M. Radzinschi/ALM


