A Strategic Shift in Pakistan’s Pharma Industry

In a landmark move for Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector, International Investment Limited (IIL) has received approval to acquire Novartis Pharma Pakistan Limited. The green light came from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) after a thorough phase-I competition assessment.

IIL, a Hong Kong-based investment holding company and part of the Getz Group, submitted a pre-merger application to the CCP. The acquisition involves transferring control of Novartis Pakistan from its current parent companies—Novartis AG and Novartis Pharma AG—to IIL under a formal share purchase agreement.

Novartis Pakistan is a well-established pharmaceutical company known for manufacturing, importing, marketing, and distributing a wide range of medicines. One of its notable products is nilotinib, a drug used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia.

This acquisition is significant because IIL already has a strong presence in Pakistan through its subsidiaries Getz Pharma (Private) Limited and Scilife Pharma (Private) Limited. The move is expected to consolidate IIL’s footprint in the country’s healthcare market and enhance its capabilities across various therapeutic classes.

During its review, the CCP evaluated whether the transaction would create or strengthen a dominant position in the market or reduce competition. The commission analyzed the impact at the therapeutic class level, acknowledging that medical categories often lack substitutability.

The approval signals confidence in IIL’s ability to maintain fair competition while expanding its influence in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical landscape. It also reflects the growing interest of international investors in the country’s healthcare sector.

As the deal progresses, stakeholders are watching closely to see how this acquisition will reshape the market and influence drug accessibility, pricing, and innovation in Pakistan. For now, it’s clear that the pharmaceutical industry is entering a new phase—one driven by strategic investment and global integration.