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An in-depth investigation has been opened into healthcare giant Uniphar’s takeover of Limerick tech firm TouchStore.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) confirmed today that it will carry out a full Phase 2 review of the completed deal.
TouchStore, which is headquartered in Limerick, builds dispensing and management software used by pharmacies right across the country.
Uniphar is one of Ireland’s major pharmaceutical wholesalers and controls retail brands like Allcare, McCauley, and Hickey’s Pharmacy.
The deal was first announced back in January. Even though it fell below the financial mark where notification is mandatory, consumer watchdog officials stepped in using powers to ‘call in’ smaller deals over market dominance concerns.
The CCPC says local software platforms are essential to keeping independent pharmacy networks competitive.
Because Uniphar already completed the purchase before notifying regulators in April, strict interim orders have been put in place.
The watchdog is forcing both Uniphar and Limerick-based TouchStore to run as completely separate, independent businesses while inspectors examine if the takeover reduces fair competition in the Irish market.
The CCPC says its review will focus on protecting everyday consumers from price hikes, lower quality, or reduced software choice.
As the investigation is ongoing, the CCPC is unable to share any further information.
