Chemist Warehouse-Sigma Merger Approved, Creating $8.8 Billion Pharma Giant

Australia's competition watchdog has cleared the merger, ensuring competition remains robust in the pharmacy sector.

• The ACCC approved the merger after Chemist Warehouse and Sigma made concessions to address competition concerns.
• The combined entity will own over 1,000 retail stores and operate 16 distribution centers across Australia and New Zealand.
• Sigma's stock surged following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in the merger's potential benefits.
• Critics, including the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, remain concerned about reduced competition and potential impacts on service standards.
• The merger still requires approval from Sigma's shareholders and the Federal Court before finalization, expected by mid-2025.

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Australian Broadcasting Corporation The Sydney Morning Herald 9News The Sydney Morning Herald Australian Broadcasting Corporation