ACM clears acquisition of DA group by rival Holland Pharma

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has cleared the acquisition of the DA group by Holland Pharma Exploitatie B.V.

Both Holland Pharma and DA are wholesale companies that trade in drugstore items. In addition, DA as franchisor supplies goods and services to drugstore chains DA and ‘Fris, Gezond en Mooi’. DA has almost 250 franchisees.

Sufficient competition between wholesalers and retailers

ACM investigated whether the acquisition created any anticompetitive risks. In this investigation, ACM predominantly examined whether sufficient alternatives would remain in the market after the acquisition. That is the case, according to the investigation. Other wholesalers are also active in the market for drugstore items such as Unipharma, Vriesia and FACO.

Consumers, too, will continue to have plenty to choose from. Next to DA, various other drugstore chains are also active in the market such as Etos, Trekpleister and Kruidvat. Furthermore, many drugstore items are also available at supermarkets, pharmacies, and on the Internet.