The take over of pharmacy chain Mediq by medical distribution company Brocacef has been delayed by the Dutch consumers and competition authority ACM pending further research.

The deal, which was announced last December, includes both the Mediq pharmacies and wholesale operations, as well as the hospital supply operation and logistics services.

The ACM says more research is needed because of the impact on the competition between pharmacies in a number of large towns and cities in the Netherlands.

‘Brocacef’s own pharmacies will face reduced pressure to improve their quality of service,’ the ACM said. In addition, health insurers will have fewer alternatives to chose from, which will put up prices, the organisation said.

The takeover, if approved, will create a company with annual turnover of €2.1bn, 5,300 workers and a nationwide network of 335 pharmacies – 116 from Brocacef and 219 Mediq outlets.