Chemist Warehouse and Sigma $8.8 Billion Merger Approved

The Pharmacy Guild criticised the merger, warning it could limit wholesaling options and potentially raise costs for patients.

Chemist Warehouse store at The Grove Liverpool shopping site in Sydney, Australia, on Dec. 2, 2021. AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has given the green light for Chemist Warehouse and Sigma Healthcare’s $8.8 billion merger, concluding that the deal will not reduce competition in the pharmacy sector.

Chemist Warehouse runs a pharmacy franchise model, and Sigma operates similar franchises, including Amcal+ and Discount Drug Store.