In Benelux, the over-the-counter drugs distribution industry is vibrant and diverse, focusing on providing accessible healthcare solutions. Companies here include wholesalers, retailers, and pharmaceutical firms, offering a broad array of non-prescription medications that range from pain relief to allergy treatments. Recent trends show an increase in online sales channels, driven by the rise of e-pharmacies and consumer demand for convenience. The ongoing interest in health and wellness products, coupled with advancements in technology, indicates that the industry is likely to continue evolving, leading to expanded product offerings and more streamlined distribution processes in the coming years.


This list highlights a mix of corporate and private equity investors primarily headquartered in Belgium and the Netherlands. From established entities like the European Investment Bank to newer players like Mutares Benelux, these investors range in size and focus, with 2024 deal counts showcasing their engagement in the over-the-counter drug sector. Ranging from 51 to over 10,000 employees, their founding years span from 1958 to 2021, reflecting a combined commitment to innovation and growth across the pharmaceutical landscape.


Top 14 Over-the-Counter Drugs Distribution Investors in Benelux


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in diverse sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the pharmaceutical industry, such as providing grants to Vésale Pharma, which raised over $1.9 million, and Legacy Healthcare, which secured approximately $2.8 million. Additionally, the EIC supported Nemysis with over $2.7 million in funding and provided grants to CYTO365, indicating a focus on health-related innovations that could encompass over-the-counter drugs.


2. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services. EIB focuses on supporting sustainable projects across various sectors, including healthcare. In recent years, EIB has been involved in significant transactions within the pharmaceutical industry, such as providing debt financing to Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, which raised approximately $14 million in July 2022, and Antibiotice, which raised about $26.7 million in post-IPO debt in November 2023. Additionally, EIB has supported MedinCell with substantial debt financing in both 2018 and 2022, further highlighting its engagement in the pharmaceutical sector. These transactions suggest that EIB is actively investing in companies that may be involved in the distribution of over-the-counter drugs, aligning with the interests of investors in this specific market.


3. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant investments in the pharmaceutical sector, including the acquisition of DOC Generici, a Milan-based generic pharmaceutical company, which highlights their commitment to the industry. Additionally, their involvement with Alvogen, which completed a $700 million term loan financing aimed at expanding its operations in the U.S. and other regions, further emphasizes their engagement in the pharmaceutical market. These transactions illustrate CVC's strategic interest in companies that operate within the over-the-counter drugs distribution space.


4. Azelis

  • Website: azelis.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: azelis

Azelis is a specialty chemical distributor and innovation service provider based in Antwerp, Belgium, founded in 2001. The company serves over 63,000 customers across the life sciences and industrial sectors, providing high-quality raw materials and innovative formulations tailored to specific market needs. Notably, Azelis has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in the life sciences sector. For instance, their acquisition of Megafarma in 2020, a Mexican specialty distributor for the pharma, food, and veterinary industries, enhances their footprint in the pharmaceutical distribution market. Additionally, their acquisition of YDS Chemicals NV and the majority shareholding in Viet Chemicals Trading and Service Co Ltd further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their capabilities in sectors that include health and personal care. These transactions reflect Azelis' strategy to strengthen its position in the life sciences, which is relevant to the over-the-counter drugs distribution industry.


5. Fagron

  • Website: fagron.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: fagron

Fagron is a corporate investor based in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 1990. The company specializes in personalized medicine and compounding services, providing customized treatment solutions for healthcare professionals and patients. Fagron's innovative products, such as Pentravan® and SyrSpend®, enhance medication delivery. In recent years, Fagron has made several strategic acquisitions to expand its presence in the pharmaceutical market. Notably, they acquired CareFirst Specialty Pharmacy, which specializes in non-sterile medication, enhancing their footprint in the North American market. Additionally, their acquisition of Letco Medical and Curaphar B.V. reflects their commitment to improving pharmaceutical drug administration and distribution. These transactions demonstrate Fagron's active role in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in areas relevant to over-the-counter drug distribution.


6. Eurofins

  • Website: eurofins.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: eurofins

Eurofins Scientific SE is a prominent laboratory testing company founded in 1987, headquartered in Luxembourg. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees and a global presence, Eurofins operates more than 900 laboratories across 62 countries. The company specializes in a wide range of analytical and testing services, catering to various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, and environmental sectors. Eurofins has been actively expanding its capabilities through strategic acquisitions. Notably, their acquisition of Quasfar in November 2023 marked their entry into the Colombian market, enhancing their presence in the pharmaceutical sector. Additionally, their acquisition of Viracor-IBT Laboratories in 2014 for approximately $255 million aimed to bolster their specialty diagnostic testing capabilities, which are crucial for the pharmaceutical industry. These transactions reflect Eurofins' commitment to strengthening its position in the pharmaceutical sector, which encompasses over-the-counter drugs distribution.


7. Astorg

  • Website: astorg.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: astorg

Astorg is a private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1998, specializing in investments in global B2B companies. With €22 billion in assets under management, Astorg focuses on creating long-term value through a disciplined investment process and strong partnerships with entrepreneurs. The firm has made notable investments in the healthcare sector, including the acquisition of HRA Pharma, which was approved by the European Commission, and the purchase of a 60% stake in Groupe Ethypharm, a leader in oral Drug Delivery Systems. Additionally, Astorg's acquisition of CordenPharma, a contract drug development and manufacturing company, further emphasizes their commitment to the pharmaceutical industry. These transactions highlight Astorg's strategic focus on companies that are integral to drug distribution and delivery, particularly in the over-the-counter segment.


8. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential, partnering with management teams to address challenges and drive growth. Notably, Triton has made significant investments in the healthcare sector, including the acquisition of Atnahs, a specialty pharmaceutical business, and Clinigen Group, a major player in the pharmaceutical industry. They also acquired Bormioli Pharma, which specializes in pharma primary packaging, indicating their involvement in the pharmaceutical supply chain. These transactions highlight Triton's commitment to the healthcare sector, making them a relevant investor in the over-the-counter drugs distribution space.


9. Prosus Group

  • Website: prosus.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: prosus-group

Prosus Group is a global technology investor and operator based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2019. The firm focuses on enhancing everyday life through technology across various sectors, including online classifieds, food delivery, payments, and education technology. Notably, Prosus has been actively investing in the healthcare sector, particularly through its significant investments in PharmEasy, a leading online pharmacy and healthcare platform in India. In 2021, Prosus led a $350 million Series E funding round for PharmEasy, followed by a $500 million Series F round in 2021, and a further $216 million raised in 2024. These transactions highlight Prosus's commitment to supporting companies that facilitate the distribution of pharmaceuticals, including over-the-counter drugs, thereby fostering community growth and sustainable business practices in the healthcare industry.


10. dsm-firmenich

  • Website: dsm-firmenich.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: dsmfirmenich

dsm-firmenich is a for-profit company based in Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands, operating in the nutrition, health, and beauty sectors. The company offers a diverse range of products, including fragrances, nutritional supplements, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). As a venture capital investor, dsm-firmenich has been involved in several significant transactions relevant to the over-the-counter drugs distribution context. Notably, they led a capital raise for Brains Bioceutical Corp., a leader in EU-GMP-certified production of naturally sourced APIs for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, which highlights their commitment to investing in companies that contribute to the health sector. Other transactions include investments in OK Capsule and Enhanced Medical Nutrition, further demonstrating their active role in supporting health-related ventures.


11. Sambrinvest

  • Website: sambrinvest.be
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Charleroi, Wallonia, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: sambrinvest

Sambrinvest is a venture capital firm based in Charleroi, Wallonia, Belgium, founded in 1985. With over 35 years of experience and more than €200M under management, they provide financial solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in various sectors, including life sciences and technology. Notably, Sambrinvest has participated in significant funding rounds for companies such as InhaTarget Therapeutics, which raised €5.6 million in a Series A financing round, and AbolerIS Pharma, which secured €27.3 million in Series A financing. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting innovative healthcare solutions, which may encompass over-the-counter drugs distribution. Their portfolio also includes other biotech firms, indicating a broader interest in the pharmaceutical landscape.


12. Verlinvest

  • Website: verlinvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: verlinvest

Verlinvest is a venture capital firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in high-growth consumer brands across multiple sectors, including food, beverage, health, and technology. Verlinvest provides long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate. Notably, they participated in the Series A funding round for Genexa, a clean pharmaceutical company, which raised $60 million to expand its development efforts. This investment highlights Verlinvest's commitment to the health sector and consumer-focused brands. Their diverse portfolio reflects a strong emphasis on sustainable practices and consumer needs, making them a significant player in the investment landscape.


13. Qbic Fund | Venture Capital

  • Website: qbic.be
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Ghent, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: qbic

Qbic Fund | Venture Capital is a venture capital fund based in Ghent, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2012. The fund specializes in seed and early-stage investments in innovative companies across various sectors, with a strong focus on biotechnology and technology. Qbic aims to create impact by transforming technological breakthroughs into sustainable businesses and supports its portfolio companies throughout their growth. Notable transactions include investments in EyeD Pharma, a pharmaceutical company developing ophthalmic products, and MRM Health, which focuses on microbiome-based therapies. These investments highlight Qbic's engagement in the pharmaceutical sector, making them a potential player in the over-the-counter drugs distribution space.


14. Mutares Benelux

  • Website: mutares.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: mutares-benelux

Mutares Benelux, a private equity firm based in Amsterdam, was founded in 2021 and specializes in acquiring and managing companies in transition. The firm provides operational support and consulting services to enhance profitability and growth across various sectors, including automotive, technology, and retail. Notably, Mutares has made significant strides in the healthcare sector with its acquisition of Alcura France from Alliance Healthcare Group France, which positions them within the pharmaceutical distribution landscape. This acquisition, along with their strategic focus on turnaround management, suggests that Mutares is capable of enhancing the operational efficiency of companies within the over-the-counter drugs distribution space. Their diverse portfolio and recent transactions indicate a willingness to explore opportunities in healthcare, making them a noteworthy player in this industry.



Over-the-Counter Drugs Distribution Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
AzelisAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium1001-500020015
FagronRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands1001-500019901
EurofinsLuxembourg10001+19878
AstorgLuxembourg51-20019988
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
Prosus GroupAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+201921
dsm-firmenichMaastricht, Limburg, Netherlands10001+3
SambrinvestCharleroi, Wallonia, Belgium11-5019852
VerlinvestBrussels, Brussels, Belgium11-5019955
Qbic Fund | Venture CapitalGhent, Flanders, Belgium1-1020125
Mutares BeneluxAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202116


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