The Competition Bureau of Canada is intensifying its investigation into the acquisition of Kinectrics by BWX Technologies, which was finalized on May 20, 2025. The Bureau has obtained court orders to gather information from Novartis and its subsidiaries, which are involved in the nuclear medicine sector.

The investigation aims to determine whether the merger could substantially lessen competition in Canada’s nuclear medicine market, particularly concerning the supply and pricing of medical isotopes essential for cancer treatments. BWX Technologies and Kinectrics are key players in the medical isotope value chain, and their merger raises concerns about potential supply reductions or price increases for these critical products.

As part of the ongoing inquiry, the Bureau has already secured court orders for information from other market participants involved in the development of nuclear medical isotopes. The investigation remains active, and no conclusions have been reached as of yet.