• UOKiK voiced reservations about DOZ taking over Medix.
• As a result of the concentration, the competition among pharmacies on local markets in Tczew may be restricted.
• Reservations do not determine the final decision in this matter.

The concentration participants operate on the pharmaceutical market. DOZ manages pharmacies operating under the name “DOZ Apteki dbam o zdrowie”. Medix is a franchisee of a dozen retail outlets of this chain.

Thereupon, it is necessary to analyse the market and verify data provided by DOZ in the application for consent to the transaction. That is why UOKiK has initiated the second stage of proceedings.

UOKiK’s findings

In accordance with previous judicial decisions, UOKiK assumed that pharmacies compete with each other within one-kilometre radius. This is due to the fact that consumers most often choose pharmacies located within walking distance from their place of residence, work or a clinic. Usually, only residents of towns where there are no pharmacies commute.

The Office’s analysis showed that competition can be restricted on three local markets in Tczew around pharmacies located at ul. Wojska Polskiego 16a, ul. Sobieskiego 38a and ul. Jedności Narodu 16/2.

Having analysed the market, we see clearly that the transaction may lead to the competition restriction, which is why we raised reservations. Now DOZ has 14 days to reply. This deadline can be extended by another two weeks, says Michał Holeksa, Vice President of UOKiK.

In cases where there is a reasonable probability of significant restriction of competition as a result of the concentration, the President of UOKiK expresses its reservations to an enterprise or enterprises participating in concentration. Reservations are well grounded and do not determine the final outcome of the proceedings.

According to the regulations, enterprises have 14 days to reply to these reservations. This deadline may be extended at their request by a further two weeks.

Additional information for the media:

UOKiK Press Office
Pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warszawa, Poland
Phone +48 695 902 088, +48 22 55 60 246
E-mail: [SCODE]Yml1cm9wcmFzb3dlQHVva2lrLmdvdi5wbA==[ECODE]
Twitter: @UOKiKgovPL