Ireland's competition watchdog has been prompted to use new powers by Uniphar's acquisition of a pharmacy software provider. In January, Uniphar, the pharmacy wholesale and retail giant, acquired a software business called Touchstore. Uniphar is, after United Drug, the biggest pharmacy wholesale business in Ireland. And, with brands like Allcare Pharmacy, Hickey’s Pharmacy and McCauley Health and Beauty, it is a significant player in the retail side of the business. But this deal fell “significantly below the mandatory notification thresholds” that would normally put it on the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (CCPC) radar, Uniphar says.

Source: The Irish Times March 21, 2026 05:22 UTC