Ireland’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has initiated a full Phase 2 investigation into the completed acquisition of software provider TouchStore Limited by healthcare services giant Uniphar plc. The regulatory watchdog decided that a deeper review is necessary to determine whether the transaction could lead to a substantial lessening of competition within the Irish marketplace.
Uniphar operates as one of the primary full-line pharmaceutical wholesalers in Ireland and holds an extensive footprint in retail pharmacy, managing well-known brands such as Allcare Pharmacy, Hickey’s Pharmacy, and McCauley Health and Beauty. TouchStore, headquartered in Limerick, specializes in supplying critical dispensing and retail management software to pharmacies across the country.
Although Uniphar’s acquisition of TouchStore, initially announced in January 2026, fell below the mandatory notification thresholds, the CCPC exercised its statutory powers under the Competition Act 2002 to call in the deal for scrutiny. The transaction was officially notified to the authority in late April 2026, leading to a preliminary examination that ultimately signaled the need for an in-depth inquiry. Under competition law, the CCPC evaluates how such mergers might affect consumers regarding pricing, choice, service quality, and market innovation.
Because the acquisition was finalized before being formally submitted for review, the CCPC has put interim measures in place. These orders require both Uniphar and TouchStore to maintain independent operations while the investigation proceeds. The CCPC has stated that no further details will be disclosed while the Phase 2 review remains ongoing.
