BERGEN, Norway, March 6, 2026 — The Norwegian Competition Authority has approved Karo Healthcare’s acquisition of Aco Hud Nordic subject to conditions requiring the divestment of the Locobase brand in the Nordic region.
The authority said both companies supply a range of personal care products and compete in the sale of therapeutic skincare products to pharmacies in Norway. These products include ointments, creams and lotions used to treat conditions ranging from dry skin and mild eczema to more serious disorders such as atopic eczema and psoriasis.
According to the authority, the proposed acquisition would have significantly hindered effective competition in the market because the competitive pressure between the two companies would have been eliminated.
To address these concerns, Karo Healthcare committed to sell the rights to market and sell products under the Locobase brand in the Nordic region to a suitable and independent third party. The divestment includes the design of all Locobase products commercialized in the region as well as existing customer and supplier agreements, where transferable.
Karo Healthcare must also continue operating, marketing and selling Locobase products in the Nordic region until the divestment is completed. The transaction cannot be finalized until the Competition Authority approves the buyer and the signed sale agreement.
The authority concluded that the commitments offered by the parties would ensure continued effective competition in the market for therapeutic skincare products, which it said is important for consumers who rely on such treatments.
The merger notification was received on October 26, 2025. The authority opened a closer review in November 2025 and later signaled that intervention could be necessary before the parties submitted remedies in January 2026. The authority adopted its decision approving the transaction subject to conditions on March 6, 2026.
Source: https://konkurransetilsynet.no/godkjenner-karo-healthcares-oppkjop-av-aco-hud-nordic/
