The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has started the phase two review of the acquisition by Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. of Visayas-based Rose Pharmacy.
The PCC said it will now delve into a more detailed and extensive assessment of the transaction’s impact, particularly to see if the acquisition results to a “substantial lessening of competition” in the retail pharmacy in at least 103 localities.
The PCC said it will also take a special look into the Luzon market where Rose Pharmacy has potentially exited as a result of the acquisition.
The PCC said its mergers and acquisition office will also look into the impact of the acquisition in the retail sale of non-pharmaceutical products and special prescription drugs in selected localities, online retail sale of pharmaceutical products on a nationwide basis, market for the lease of commercial space to drugstores in selected localities, and market for the provision of shelf-space for non-pharmaceutical products on a nationwide basis.
The PCC is seeking market comments on the transaction.
Robinsons Retail announced the acquisition in October 2020. Robinsons Retail made the acquisition through unit Southstar Drug, which is also into drugstores operation nationwide. Majority of Southstar’s branches are located in the National Capital Region and Bicol Region.
Robinsons Retail is also into generic drugs through unit TGP Pharma Inc.
