The Polish competition authority, UOKiK, has granted Gemini Polska conditional approval to acquire two pharmacy chains, Apteka Wrzeszcz and Apteka Trójmiasto. This approval is contingent upon the sale of three pharmacies to prevent any potential reduction in competition in local markets, specifically in Gdańsk, Starogard Gdański, and Suwałki.

Gemini Polska currently operates 96 pharmacies and manages a franchise network of 180 pharmacies. The two chains being acquired operate a total of 36 pharmacies across various cities, all under the Gemini brand. UOKiK's analysis determined that these pharmacies compete closely within a one-kilometer radius, as consumers typically choose pharmacies near their homes or workplaces.

UOKiK President Tomasz Chróstny stated that while the acquisition could limit competition in some local markets, the mandated sale of three pharmacies would mitigate any adverse effects on consumers. The specific pharmacies to be sold include one in Gdańsk and two in Starogard Gdański and Suwałki, with the requirement that the buyer is not part of the same capital group as Gemini Polska and must continue pharmacy operations at those locations.

The transaction must be reported to the antitrust authority if the combined turnover of the involved companies exceeds 1 billion euros globally or 50 million euros in Poland. UOKiK's decisions regarding mergers are based solely on competition law, and the approval is valid for two years. The decision is not final, as the applicant has the right to appeal to the Court of Competition and Consumer Protection.