McKesson and CD&R, a private investment firm, have agreed to acquire Option Care Health, the largest independent provider of home and alternate-site infusion therapy in the US, for a total enterprise value of $5.8 billion.
McKesson distributes pharmaceutical products to nearly one third of the industry, leading to substantial negotiation leverage with generic drug manufacturers.
Bears
Scrutiny from the public and politicians over exorbitant branded and specialty drug list prices could result in lower price inflation long term, slowing McKesson’s top-line growth.
McKesson is one of three leading pharmaceutical wholesalers in the US engaged in sourcing and distributing branded, generic, and specialty pharmaceutical products to pharmacies (retail chains, independent, and mail order), hospitals networks, and healthcare providers. Along with Cencora and Cardinal Health, the three account for over 90% of the US pharmaceutical wholesale industry. Outside the US market, McKesson engages in pharmaceutical wholesale and distribution in Canada. Additionally, the company supplies medical-surgical products and equipment to healthcare facilities and provides a variety of technology solutions for pharmacies.