Competition Commission of Pakistan approves Citi Pharma acquisition of Pakheim

Regulator clears five drug markets

The commission authorized the deal after a Phase-I competition assessment under the Competition Act, 2010. Officials found limited overlaps and no substantial threat to competition across the relevant medicine sectors.

Pakheim becomes wholly owned subsidiary

Citi Pharma Limited will own all shareholding of Pakheim International Pharma once the transaction completes. The private company manufactures finished pharmaceutical products while Citi Pharma produces active ingredients and sells botanical goods.

Vertical link raised no concern

The regulator examined a potential supply relationship between the two firms but found Pakheim bought no APIs from Citi Pharma in the last two years. This lack of transaction meant the vertical link did not raise competition issues.