BPI and BAH: merger not realized – continued cross-association collaboration

20.09.2023 11:18

At its general meeting on September 19th, the Federal Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (BPI) decided against a merger with the Federal Association of Drug Manufacturers (BAH). Although there was a clear majority in favor of a corresponding proposal, the legally required quorum of 75 percent was not achieved. As a result, Dr. Hans Georg Feldmeier resigned from his position as BPI board chairman with immediate effect.

“Even if we missed our goal, the BPI will continue to vigorously represent the interests of the pharmaceutical industry in Germany and will continue to work constructively with the BAH and other associations in the future,” says treasurer and conference chair Christoph Harras-Wolff.

While the member companies of the BAH voted for a merger with the BPI with a majority of 86 percent, the desired merger of the two associations failed due to the necessary approval of the BPI delegates.

“We are disappointed that we were not able to take advantage of this historic opportunity despite the very trusting cooperation over the last few months,” said Jörg Wieczorek, Chairman of the BAH. “The clear vote of our member companies to strengthen and further develop the representation of interests for the pharmaceutical industry is a clear vote of confidence in our course as a board. We see this as a clear mandate to achieve our goal. We will continue to have intensive discussions with the BPI about this.”