Former ACCC chairman ‘suspicious’ about circumstances around Chemist Warehouse merger

Former ACCC chairman Allan Fels says he is “suspicious” about the circumstances bringing together the consolidation of Chemist Warehouse and Sigma Pharmaceuticals.
Chemist Warehouse will get onto the ASX by merging with Sigma Pharmaceuticals in a merger valued at around $8.8 billion, placing it among the largest 200 listed companies, provided the deal is approved by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
After the merger, Chemist Warehouse shareholders - including its two founders - will own 85.75 per cent of the combined group and receive a $700 million payday.
“I’m suspicious of the whole set of actions that are bringing about consolidation,” Mr Fels told Sky News Business Editor Ross Greenwood.
“I think that from a longer-term point of view, there will be impact on competition.
“Also, the style of the business is likely to change from that more personalised health advisory character to more of a straight business, and there will probably be some location changes.”

[@LC_from_MO]

I used to work at Sigma as a chemist before I became a tech writer. We thought we were helping people.

[@GR888T]

The government would love this to go through as they won’t have to negotiate with 1,000’s of independent chemists. A monopoly is never good for people.

[@RULE3O3]

Where is WesFarmers involved in this caper?

[@saltyaussie7702]

Ever brought a screw from bunnings?

[@Bork_Cruk]

Tell us more about the SA fires.

[@RULE3O3]

@Bork_Cruk What fires? Its been raining since Saturday, ya plonker

[@jjm4633]

I got the flu shot and been feeling really sick and achy since. Almost 2 months now.

[@tomjones5338]

They should Of told you all new flu shots are MRNA you have a immune system that does the job don't need shot's fresh fruit vegetables only and paracetamol water and juice that's it plenty of rest you'll be good as new

[@wyattfamily8997]

Was it an mRNA developed shot.?

[@Prognosis__]

Those jabbys are designed to keep the flu going. I had a bad flu as a teenager and never since

[@Prognosis__]

@@tomjones5338naturally you reply was hidden by big tech

[@Bork_Cruk]

@@Prognosis__ By what mechanism do they “keep the flu going”? 😂

[@andersdottir1111]

ACCC need to look into the Coles Woolworths duopoly.

[@Prognosis__]

Their protein powder is cheaper than costco

[@henribuhagiar9445]

ACCC are toothless tigers

[@LovelyLass-nb8op]

What about Woolworths and Coles cabal

[@Covaids]

Why can't we set-up an inquiry into how politicians become multi millionaires.

[@tomjones5338]

Why not call The sudoefodren warehouse speed will do lol 🤣🤣🤣

[@Ich_slage_dich_in_dominos]

There it goas prices up

[@Herman-hr2ti]

Should not be allowed!