This case is not about competition, as the Great Falls Clinic and Central Montana Surgical Hospital would have the court believe. It is about doctors trying to forge a loophole in the law to get richer.

We're not happy that we didn't have a chance to respond.

The available evidence suggests that generally, Qwest has succeeded in opening local telecommunications markets to competition.

The available evidence suggests that generally, Qwest has succeeded in opening local telecommunications markets to competition,

We are disappointed but not surprised by this outcome. While we feel that we have a strong case, competition for space on the Supreme Court's crowded docket is high. We shall continue to pursue this case in the lower courts.

Buyout firms are by no means the only game in town. They will continue to face competition from strategic buyers.