Belgian competition authority approves Multipharma’s takeover of Goed Pharmacies with conditions.
The Belgian Competition Authority (BMA) has conditionally approved Multipharma’s acquisition of Popelin, the entity managing Goed Farma’s pharmaceutical operations.
The deal: Multipharma acquires Goed pharmacies from CM
The decision, announced on February 4, 2025, follows an in-depth review of the deal’s potential impact on competition.
Multipharma, a cooperative overseeing 279 pharmacies across Belgium, will take over Popelin’s network of 92 pharmacies in Flanders, along with its wholesale distribution center in Mechelen.
Due to the combined market presence of both companies, the merger required regulatory approval.
The BMA’s investigation focused on the potential effects on pricing, service quality, and accessibility of pharmaceutical products. It raised concerns about reduced competition in 14 local markets, particularly in Mechelen and Willebroek, where Multipharma’s market position would significantly strengthen.
To address these concerns, Multipharma agreed to several commitments, including divesting four pharmacies in Mechelen, permanently closing two temporarily shut pharmacies in Willebroek, and refraining from acquiring new pharmacy licenses in these areas without prior BMA approval. These commitments will remain in effect for five to ten years.
After a detailed market assessment, the BMA concluded that these measures were sufficient to mitigate competition risks, allowing the acquisition to proceed.
