Commerce Commission to consider pharmaceuticals merger

The Commerce Commission has received an application from Mylan Inc. seeking clearance to acquire the Established Pharmaceuticals Division of Abbott Laboratories Inc.

Mylan is a US-based global pharmaceutical company that develops, licenses, manufactures, markets and distributes generic, branded generic and specialty pharmaceuticals.

In New Zealand, Mylan operates through its wholly owned subsidiary, Mylan NZ Ltd which distributes imported off-patent medicines as well as a range of prescription and over the counter medicines.

Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company that is, amongst other things, involved in the development, manufacture and sale of a broad range of healthcare products including branded generic pharmaceuticals.

Abbott Laboratories operates in New Zealand through its wholly owned subsidiary, Abbott Laboratories NZ Ltd which is primarily involved in marketing and distribution activities. Abbott Laboratories NZ does not have any manufacturing facilities in New Zealand.