Hannes Snellman Counsel to Oriola in Obtaining Merger Clearance for the Creation of a Joint Venture Consisting of Kronans Apotek and Apoteksgruppen

Hannes Snellman advised Oriola Corporation in obtaining merger clearance for the creation of a joint venture consisting of retail pharmacy chains Kronans Apotek and Apoteksgruppen. Oriola is the owner of Kronans Apotek and a leading distributor of pharmaceuticals and pharmacy goods in Sweden.

On 9 February 2022 Oriola and Euroapotheca signed an agreement with the intention to combine their respective retail pharmacy chains Kronans Apotek and Apoteksgruppen in a joint venture. Kronans Apotek is the third largest retail pharmacy chain in Sweden and Apoteksgruppen is the fourth largest retail pharmacy chain in Sweden. After the merger the company will be the largest retail pharmacy chain in terms of physical pharmacies and the third largest by revenue.

The transaction was referred to the Swedish Competition Authority from the European Commission upon request by the parties. On 29 June 2022 the Swedish Competition Authority unconditionally cleared the transaction.

Hannes Snellman’s core competition team consisted of Peter Forsberg (Partner), Marcus Nyberg (Senior Associate) and Oskar Helsing (Associate).