Does Zimmer need participation in federal health care programs?

"the REPEAT nature of Biomet’s crimes could expose it to stiffer-than expected federal penalties, which may prompt Zimmer to seek a price cut. For example, if prosecutors suddenly demand that Biomet and its subsidiaries plead guilty to criminal charges, they might set off a temporary ban on Biomet’s participation in federal health care programs, a blow that could sour Zimmer on the deal.

With the Biomet deal unfinished, a sense of uncertainty has crept over the economy of Warsaw, Ind., known as the orthopedic capital of the world, where both Biomet and Zimmer have headquarters. In addition to the bribery investigation, the companies are addressing concerns from European antitrust regulators leery of combining two huge players."

Ben Protess NY Times

 

And? This merger going to happen?