Following the death of Mr. Merckle, the sale of his empire continues at a swift pace. The Independent is reporting that Phoenix UK, with a turnover of €1.2bn and controlling 15 per cent of the British drugs distribution market is up for sale with Alliance Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy and The Co-operative Group billed as the main contenders for snapping up its Rowlands 500 store pharmacy chain.

What is still uncertain is the fate of the distribution arm of Phoenix UK which supplies hospitals, pharmacies and dispensing doctors. If Alliance were to buy it, would that create anti-trust issues in the UK ? Leave your comment.