CCPC imposes measures on Uniphar deal
The competition watchdog has imposed interim measures on healthcare-services provider Uniphar while it investigates its takeover of Limerick-based TouchStore Limited.
Last month, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) used its new powers to ‘call in’ the acquisition, which fell below the threshold that required mandatory notification.
The CCPC is assessing whether Uniphar’s ownership of TouchStore could give rise to competition concerns in the wholesale pharmaceutical supply, pharmacy software, and/or retail pharmacy sectors in Ireland.
Separate business
In a statement today (29 April), the commission said that Uniphar had now formally notified it of the acquisition, which was completed in January.
With the co-operation of Uniphar, the watchdog has imposed interim measures requiring it to operate TouchStore as a separate business and to deal with it on an arm’s‑length basis while the CCPC reviews the deal.
Uniphar is one of two full line pharmaceutical wholesalers in Ireland and has extensive retail operations – including owning retail stores, franchise networks, and buying groups.
It owns Allcare Pharmacy, Hickey’s Pharmacy, and McCauley Health and Beauty.
TouchStore is a Limerick-based company that provides dispensing and retail-management software to pharmacies across Ireland.