CCP approves Standpharm-Crest Garments deal

November 12, 2025 (MLN): The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has granted approval for the acquisition of Standpharm Pakistan (Private) Limited by Crest Garments International (Private) Limited, terming it an internal corporate restructuring.

Both companies operate under the same group of individual shareholders, meaning the transaction will not alter the ultimate control or management structure.

According to the CCP, Standpharm Pakistan is active in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, offering a wide product portfolio across nineteen therapeutic categories such as anti-rheumatics, analgesics, vitamins and mineral supplements, gastrointestinal drugs, antibiotics, and psycholeptics.

In contrast, Crest Garments International is engaged primarily in garment manufacturing and has no business presence in the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical markets.

After a detailed review, the Commission determined that the transaction does not create any horizontal, vertical, or conglomerate overlaps between the merging entities.

The assessment concluded that the deal will not increase market concentration or adversely affect competition in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors, which continue to host a large number of active players and experience steady entry of new firms.

The CCP further observed that as the transaction represents an intra-group restructuring, it will not impact market dynamics, competitive pressures, or opportunities for new entrants.

The Commission therefore found no substantial lessening of competition or creation of dominance as a result of the merger.

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