The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has launched an in-depth phase 2 investigation into healthcare services provider Uniphar's proposed acquisition of Irish pharmacy solutions business NaviCorp.
The CCPC said that following an extended preliminary investigation, it has determined that a full investigation is required in order to establish if the proposed transaction could lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the state.
"The CCPC will publish its Phase 1 determination no later than 60 working days after the date of the determination and after allowing the parties the opportunity to request that confidential information be removed from the published version," it said in a statement.
The proposed deal was notified to the CCPC on Christmas eve last year.
Euronext Dublin and London Stock Exchange listed Uniphar is a diversified healthcare services business that services the needs of more than 200 multinational pharmaceutical and medical technology manufacturers.
It said it was buying Dublin headquartered NaviCorp for its unique technology and value proposition.
The two companies had been partnering for many years prior to the deal.
Navi specialises in product buying and trading and the development of IT systems for use in pharmacies and retail pharmacy franchise services.
