Media release
Amicable settlement agreed with the Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO)
Thursday, 17 July 2008
Contact :
Philippe Milliet, Head of Health Division
Tel. +41 58 852 85 17, E-Mail media@Galenica.com
The allegations against Documed Ltd., a company of the Galenica Group, which were being investigated by the Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO), have been largely refuted. Documed Ltd. has accepted the settlement proposed by COMCO, thus concluding the investigation which began in 2003.
Documed Ltd., a company of the Galenica Group, notes with satisfaction that the allegations of illegal behaviour regarding its publication of pharmaceutical information have to a large extent been refuted in the report on the findings of the Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO). COMCO's decision in favour of an amicable settlement concludes the investigation. Almost all, in some cases serious allegations, in particular the enforcement of unreasonable prices, which led to the launch of the investigation, were found to be unsubstantiated.
The only two points which were found to be justified in the report are, according to COMCO, of no economic importance and relate to Documed Ltd.'s pricing. In its report, the Secretariat also emphasised that Documed Ltd. has continually introduced innovations, improved its products and services and lowered prices in recent years, so that almost all customers have benefited from increased efficiency. Documed Ltd. partly understood the concerns expressed by COMCO regarding its earlier pricing model and has already adjusted this.
The company is prepared to accept the drawbacks of an amicable settlement in order to conclude the case more swiftly in the interests of all parties involved.
Galenica is a diversified Group active throughout the health care market which, among other things, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products, runs pharmacies, provides
logistical and database services and sets up networks. The Galenica Group enjoys a leading position in all its business sectors – Vifor Pharma, Logistics and Retail. A large part of the Group’s income is generated by international operations.