CCPC uses new powers to review deal
The competition watchdog has used new powers to ‘call in’ a proposed deal in the pharmaceutical sector.
Healthcare-services provider Uniphar announced in January its plan to acquire Limerick-based TouchStore Limited.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said that the deal fell below the threshold that required mandatory notification.
It added, however, that amended competition legislation had given it the power to ‘call in’ below-threshold mergers that it believed might affect competition in Irish markets.
Extensive retail operations
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.
Competition concerns
The CCPC will now review whether owning TouchStore’s software would raise competition concerns in the wholesale pharmaceutical supply, pharmacy software, and/or retail pharmacy sectors in Ireland.
The body said that it had decided to take its action after requests for information, market research, and information from engagement with third parties.
The power to ‘call in’ deals was granted under the Competition (Amendment) Act 2022.