The Commission has received an application from Johnson & Johnson (J&J) to acquire the stock, assets and business of the Consumer Healthcare division of Pfizer Inc.

This is a global acquisition. In New Zealand both parties supply a broad range of pharmaceutical and personal care products.

J&J is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Its activities are divided into three business segments: consumer; pharmaceutical; and medical devices and diagnostics. In New Zealand, the consumer and medical devices businesses are operated by Johnson & Johnson (New Zealand) Limited, a local company, and the pharmaceutical division is operated by Janssen-Cilag Pty Limited, an Australian company.

Pfizer Inc. is listed on the New York, London, Euronext and Swiss stock exchanges. It manufactures and sells drugs for human and animal consumption as well as other consumer healthcare products. In New Zealand Pfizer Inc. operates through Pfizer New Zealand Limited.

In considering the application, the Commission's role is to determine whether the acquisition has the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market.

A public version of the application will shortly be available under the Clearances Register.