The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has asked the Competition Authority to investigate the proposed acquisition by GEHE of the Unicare chain of pharmacies.
GEHE, a large German pharmaceutical company, already operates a number of Irish pharmacies and would become the largest retail chain both nationally and in the Dublin area following this acquisition.
GEHE also owns the second-largest pharmaceutical wholesaler in the State – Cahill May Roberts. The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, has requested the Competition Authority report to her by January 29th, 2002.
A statement from the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment said that on receipt of the authority’s report, Ms Harney will consider what further action, if any, is warranted by the "exigencies of the common good".