DOC Generici was founded in 1996 following the passing of law 425 of 8 August that year, which approved the use of equivalent medicines. The company was created by the joint efforts of three pharmaceutical groups: Chiesi Farmaceutici, Zambon and the Canadian group Apotex, market leader in America in the production and distribution of equivalent medicines. Distribution started for real in 2001 when, following approval of law 405 of 16 November of that year, pharmacists became obliged to provide an equivalent medicine with the lowest price amongst those available on the normal regional distributive network, whenever a doctor prescribes a medicine without specifying that it is not to be substituted. Between 1996 and 2001 DOC Generici laid down the managerial, organizational and manufacturing foundations that enabled it to be among the first to enter the equivalent medicines market. On July 1st 2013 DOC Generici was acquired by Charterhouse Capital Partners LLP, a British Private Equity Fund and one of Europe's leading Private Equity Firms. This is the first investment in Italy by this large and historical Fund. The acquisition will allow DOC Generici to keep its independence and to continue its investment in the key objectives of its success: endorse Europe and especially Italy for manufacturing of generic medicinal products, prevent speculation on quality in favor of cost and keep a high level of communication.