The Fair Trading Commission (FTC) continues to exercise regulatory oversight of Caribbean Distribution Partners Ltd.’s (CDP) proposed acquisition of Massy Distribution (Jamaica) Ltd. The transaction, reported on February 4, 2025, in the Trinidad & Tobago Guardian, involves CDP, a subsidiary of Agostini’s Ltd., acquiring 100 percent of Massy Distribution (Jamaica) Ltd. (Massy), a leading distributor of pharmaceuticals and consumer products in Jamaica. CDP described the acquisition as “strategic to the regional expansion of our group’s consumer products and pharmaceutical businesses.”
As of February 17, 2025, CDP began operating under the name Acado Limited (Acado). Acado is the parent company of seven distribution companies across the Caribbean, though only one currently sells to Jamaica. According to the parties, Massy’s consumer products division will be managed directly by Acado, while its pharmaceutical operations will be integrated with Health Brands Jamaica Limited, which has since been rebranded as Aventa Jamaica Limited under Agostini’s pharmaceutical umbrella.
FTC Review: Safeguarding Competition in the Insulin Market
The FTC’s review of the transaction identified significant competition concerns in the distribution of insulin products in Jamaica. Currently, three brands are available in Jamaica, and all are distributed by either Massy or Aventa. The proposed transaction would create a monopoly distributor for these brands.
On May 27, 2025, the FTC formally notified the parties and began negotiations to ensure the acquisition does not compromise the accessibility or affordability of insulin, given its critical importance to individuals living with diabetes. To grant its non-objection, the FTC requires that competition be preserved in the insulin market. This entails the appointing of an independent distributor for the brand(s) currently distributed by either of the parties to the transaction. Once a distributor is identified and a formal agreement or commitment is submitted, the FTC will conduct due diligence to confirm that the new arrangement addresses its competition concerns. For example, the new distributor must not be affiliated with any company involved in the acquisition.
Upon verifying that the revised distribution structure safeguards competition, the FTC will issue a letter of non-objection, subject to additional conditions designed to preserve competition in the market.
Ongoing Engagement and Monitoring
The FTC reaffirms its commitment to preserving competition in Jamaica under the Fair Competition Act. It continues to actively engage with Acado, Massy, and Aventa, providing guidance on requirements, timelines, and expectations throughout the review process. Additionally, the FTC will implement a monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance with all conditions and commitments.
November 12, 2025