Japan’s Largest Drug Wholesalers Seek To Merge By April

Mediceo Paltac Holdings and Alfresa Holdings, Japan's two largest drug wholesalers, have agreed to an April 1 merger. The plan to be announced officially later would have Mediceo's president head the combined company, with Alfresa's president serving as his vice president. Together the two firms account for nearly $40 million in annual sales at the wholesale level. The merger is expected to lead to a consolidation of distribution centers around Japan and a cut in expenses in the sales and general administration areas. (Click here for more - a subscription may be required