UOKiK fines Polish pharmaceutical wholesalers 900 million PLN

The Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) has imposed fines totaling over 900 million PLN on major pharmaceutical wholesalers for participating in an illegal price-fixing agreement. The investigation revealed that for over a decade, these companies exchanged sensitive information regarding drug prices, sales volumes, and commercial terms offered to pharmacies.

This collusion allowed the wholesalers to limit competition and avoid price wars, ultimately resulting in higher costs for pharmacies and patients. The companies involved include Neuca, Farmacol-Logistyka, Farmacol, and Świat Zdrowia. Neuca received the largest penalty, amounting to nearly 500 million PLN, which contributed to a significant drop in its stock price on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.

The European Commission has reviewed and positively endorsed the decision. Notably, Polska Grupa Farmaceutyczna (PGF) avoided fines by utilizing a leniency program, providing evidence, and cooperating with the authorities during the investigation.