The European Commission’s antitrust panel has approved German pharmacy giant Celesio’s acquisition of a majority stake in Pharmexx.

Celesio revealed in March its intentions to increase its shareholding in the company from 30 per cent to 65 per cent. Pharmexx provides marketing and sales solutions to pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

The deal forms part of Celesio’s Agenda 2015, which aims to diversify its international base and reduce its reliance on government-regulated remuneration.