Bergen, October 15, 2025 – The Norwegian Competition Authority has raised preliminary concerns over Norgesgruppen’s proposed acquisition of Norsk Medisinaldepot, which operates the Vitusapotek and Ditt Apotek chains, warning that the deal could weaken competition in both the grocery and pharmacy sectors.
Competition Concerns
The authority’s initial review found that Norgesgruppen’s strong position as property owner, co-owner, and preferred tenant in commercial real estate could allow it to exploit market power when leasing retail premises — a key factor in the pharmacy sector. Officials also highlighted risks to competition in non-prescription medicines and consumer goods, which are sold across both grocery and pharmacy markets.
“Norgesgruppen and Vitusapotek operate in two essential markets for Norwegian consumers – groceries and pharmacies. We are now conducting a thorough assessment of the transaction,” said Beate Milford Berrefjord, director of the Food, Trade and Health division.
Project leader Kathrine Tvedt Lavik added that access to attractive retail locations is crucial for pharmacies and that Norgesgruppen’s influence as a landlord or key tenant may give it a competitive advantage that could distort market dynamics.
Next Steps
The authority issued a 25-day notice to Norgesgruppen and Vitusapotek to inform them that further investigation is required. The case will now move to a second phase for a more detailed assessment of the deal’s potential market effects.
The merger notification was submitted on August 31, and the original deadline for preliminary review was October 3. However, the timetable was extended twice due to incomplete responses from the parties, extending the review to October 15. The final deadline for the Phase II review decision is December 17, in accordance with Norwegian merger control rules.
The authority said it has gathered and analyzed data from the two companies and from stakeholders across the grocery and pharmacy sectors to evaluate the deal’s likely impact on competition.
Source: https://konkurransetilsynet.no/norgesgruppens-oppkjop-av-vitusapotek-ma-vurderast-naerare/
