The Swedish Competition Authority prohibits Oriola’s sale of Svensk dos AB to Apotekstjänst Sverige AB
Oriola Corporation Stock Exchange Release 30 April 2024 at 9:15 a.m. EEST
The Swedish Competition Authority prohibits Oriola’s sale of Svensk dos AB to Apotekstjänst Sverige AB
The Swedish Competition Authority (Konkurrensverket) has announced its decision on prohibiting Oriola’s sale of Svensk dos AB to Apotekstjänst Sverige AB due to negative effects on the competition in the market.
Oriola announced on 13 October 2023 the sale of all shares in Svensk dos AB to Apotekstjänst Sverige AB. Oriola has starting from that announcement communicated that it has not identified a recovery of the business within the foreseeable future, due to the prevailing tender market structure and dynamics, and for this reason, has decided to exit the dose dispensing business in Sweden.
“With the sale of Svensk dos AB to Apotekstjänst Sverige AB, we were looking to provide continuity to Svensk dos and the patients it serves. We are very disappointed with the decision of the Swedish Competition Authority and do not agree with the conclusions drawn by the Swedish Competition Authority of the effects of the planned transaction on the competition landscape in Sweden. The tender market structure and dynamics in Sweden have not changed, which is why we will also consider other options for exiting the Swedish dose dispensing business. Oriola has a clear direction forward with the refined strategy launched at the end of last year. We aim to become a highly efficient company in our distribution business, to grow our share of the high-margin wholesale and advisory businesses, and to further develop our customer value proposition to deliver enhanced customer experience,” comments Katarina Gabrielson, CEO of Oriola Corporation.
Oriola will analyse the decision of the Swedish Competition Authority and comment on the next steps in due course latest during the third quarter of 2024.
Oriola Corporation
Further information:
Petter Sandström
General Counsel
tel. +358 10 429 5761
e-mail: petter.sandstrom@oriola.com
Distribution:
Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.
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