http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/ () —
The Competition Bureau announced today that it has reached an
agreement with generic drug manufacturers Teva Pharmaceutical
Industries Ltd. and the Merckle Group (carrying on business as
ratiopharm), requiring divestitures in order to resolve competition
concerns in Canada related to their proposed merger.
The Bureau concluded that the merger would likely lead to a
substantial lessening of competition in the supply of acetaminophen
oxycodone tablets and morphine sulfate sustained-release tablets in
Canada. These drugs are commonly used for the relief of moderate to
severe pain. Under the terms of a consent agreement, the parties must
sell assets and associated licences of either Teva or ratiopharm
relating to the sale and supply of certain dosage forms of these
products in Canada.
"This agreement promotes competition in the supply of generic drugs
that are essential to the health and welfare of many Canadians," said
Melanie Aitken, Commissioner of Competition. "The remedies secured by
the Competition Bureau will ensure that a sufficient number of
affordable generic versions of these medications remain available to
patients."
Mergers in Canada are subject to review by the Competition Bureau
under the Competition Act to ensure that they will not result in a
substantial lessening or prevention of competition. Over the course of
its review, the Bureau contacted a significant number of market
participants and cooperated closely with the European Commission's
Directorate General for Competition.
Shortly after its registration with the Competition Tribunal, the full
text of the Consent Agreement will be available on the Tribunal's Web
site (http://www.ct-tc.gc.ca/) .
The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that
contributes to the prosperity of Canadians by protecting and promoting
competitive markets and enabling informed consumer choice.
Enquiry / Complaint Form
(http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/frm-eng/PJSH-6X9KQY)